McLaren (Literally) Flip-Flops On Halo Sponsorship

If you looked at the new “halo” cockpit protection devices incorporated into the latest F1 cars and thought they look like flip-flops, you’re not alone.

In fact the folks at McLaren felt the same, and they’ve brought flip-flop manufacturer Gandys on board for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix.

Gandys is a brand of beach thongs (“jandals” in you live in New Zealand or “slops” in South Africa) founded in 2012 by brothers Rob and Paul Forkan. Much of the proceeds from their sales go towards helping orphans in places like southeast Asia and Sri Lanka.

The brand has now partnered with McLaren to put their logo on the halo device integrated into the new McLaren-Renault MCL33. And it’s about as fitting a sponsorship as we’ve ever seen.

“When we started Gandys we started working on a small scale, helping a few children,” said co-founder Rob Forkan. “Now we are helping more and more vulnerable children all around the world. We hope the halo will have a similar impact in Formula 1, as we know that even if it only saves one life to begin with, it will go on to have a wider impact.”

No word on whether the partnership will extend beyond the opening round of the season. But Gandys will make a limited “Halo edition” of its flip-flop, decked out in McLaren’s orange and blue livery. They’ll be available from both companies’ shops, with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards the Orphans For Orphans foundation.

“We’re delighted to have Rob, Paul and the team at Gandys join us for the Australian Grand Prix,” said McLaren marketing chief John Allert. “The placement of the logo, on the MCL33’s Halo, was not only perfect from a branding perspective, but also a great opportunity to underline Gandys’ charitable commitment to providing a safer, more protective environment for those at risk.”