Just as I was getting used to the Lucozade logo on the McLaren rear wing, they’ve only gone and bloody changed it for – or from? – the German Grand Prix. Maybe not a bad idea, given the negative publicity about the efficacy of sports nutrition products this week.

Except they’ve just replaced it with another of GlaxoSmithKline‘s sports nutrition products: Maximuscle. Oh well.

It’s a shame, because there are so many GSK products to choose from. Zovirax, the coldsore treatment, is perhaps unlikely to be seen on the car any time soon; malty hot drink Horlicks would seem like an odd fit; and the minty tones of Aquafresh would perhaps better suit the Mercedes livery.

But there’s one GSK brand I’d love to see on the McLaren. And with Vodafone apparently reviewing their title sponsorship of the team, a big change might be coming. So how about it: Ribena McLaren Mercedes.

Yes, it would radically change the air of the team. The refined silver and rocket red would replaced by green and Ribena purple.

But think about it: a livery based on a bottle of Ribena would look excellent. Had I an ounce of artistic talent, I’d totally mock up a Ribena McLaren Mercedes livery. But I don’t.

What’s more, the team would look completely unique in the Formula 1 paddock. That’s before we get to the potential for Ribena berry styled helmets – for the pit crew, if not the drivers. And caps, for that matter.

Ah, Ron Dennis with a Ribena berry on his head. I’m sure he’d love that.

It’s not going to happen, clearly. But we can wish.

Photo Credit
McLaren: fruitbit – Flickr – Some rights reserved