Sahara Force India has moved up to fourth place in the 2017 Formula 1 Constructors Championship after the Bahrain GP as Hype Energy took over the VJM10's rear wing.
Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon managed to finish 7th and 10th respectively in Bahrain after an impeccable race, both drivers battling from their starting positions outside the points (18th and 14th) to clinch valuable points for the team.
It was a memorable weekend for Hype Energy too, as extra branding was featured on the rear wing of Sahara Force India's VJM10 car for the first time this season.
In addition to the rear wing, one of the most prominent parts of an F1 car, the Hype Energy logo was also featured on the nose cone of the car, the airbox and the cockpit.
Here's what the Sahara Force India drivers had to say after the Bahrain GP:
Sergio: “I’m very proud of my team today. To finish seventh after starting from P18 is an amazing recovery and we can be very happy tonight. It’s also our thirteenth consecutive race in the points, which is an incredible achievement. (...) I think we made the most of every opportunity and the whole team – the engineers and the mechanics – played their part in executing a perfect race. We showed, once again, that we never give up on Sundays and we can come back strong after a difficult qualifying."
Esteban: “It was a really fun race and I had to fight really hard. My start was very strong – I gained four places in the first few corners and that was really enjoyable. We showed again that our car is strong in race conditions – probably better than in qualifying – and that’s important because you only score points on Sunday. My target coming into the season was to score points in every race so I’m pleased to have scored in all three so far, but I know we had the potential to score even more points. As a team we are doing a good job and I think there’s much more to come from us in the next few races.”
Congratulations to Sahara Force India on another strong race weekend in 2017... it seems the HYPE is real!!
"There is no doubt that I am pleased that Hype Energy has chosen to support us again throughout our 2017 season on track,” says Kami Laliberté. ‘’I have had the opportunity to work last year with a group of great people marketing a product which is greatly enjoyed by my generation. Also, I know that they really appreciate motorsports, as illustrated through their association with Sahara Force India F1 team.”
"Van Amersfoort Racing is the team to be a part of in the ADAC Formula 4. They were always competitive and won the driver’s championship in 2016, so I am looking forward to driving for them. Combined with my experience last season in F4, it is my goal to be a regular top 10 finisher this season," said Louis.
Team Manager Jeroen de Jong added: "Louis was open for advice constantly and managed to use it on track, resulting in constant progression and performance. He is eager to find more speed and score good results as well."
The season will start on 28 April at Oschersleben in Eastern Germany and will end 24 September on the legendary Hockenheimring. See you on the track!
Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director, Sahara Force India: “We enjoy a fantastic relationship with Hype Energy and I’m delighted we are continuing the partnership for a third season. Their brand fits perfectly with the high energy lifestyle of Formula One and they always come up with exciting activation ideas, such as the special edition Force India can we created last year. 2017 promises more of the same with great results on and off the track.”
Bertrand Gachot, CEO of Hype Energy Drinks: “Our partnership with Sahara Force India has been a real success story. The team achieved so much last year and the 2017 season looks very exciting. As a former driver with the team, I'm proud and excited to continue to be part of their story as a sponsor. To be able to work alongside old friends is an immense pleasure. We're thankful to Vijay and Otmar who give us the freedom to try innovative ideas that take our brand to the next level. Since we started the partnership, the Hype Energy brand has grown and we’ve been able to increase our distribution networks. Extending the partnership for a third year was an obvious choice and I’m excited to see what the 2017 season has in store.”
