MCLAREN has unveiled its new F1 car which bears sponsorship from British American Tobacco, one of Southampton's biggest employers

It carries the BAT's ‘A Better Tomorrow’ logo – the slogan for its collection of “reduced-risk products” including e-cigarettes.

The car will be driven by Lando Norris, the 19-year-old who will become the youngest British F1 driver in history when he makes his debut at the season-opening race in Melbourne next month.

Norris took the wraps off his new machine at the team's Woking HQ today.

He will get his first taste of the car when the opening winter test gets under way in Barcelona on Monday.

"I have got a live up to with the history of McLaren" said Norris. "There is a lot on my shoulders.

"I will try to make it a positive effect and hope to have a long career in Formula One being the age that I am."

He will team up with Spaniard Carlos Sainz as Britain's most successful grand prix outfit bid to reverse their recent poor run.

Now British American Tobacco (BAT) – which employs around 1,000 people at its research and development centre in Southampton – is back on the F1 grid after an absence of 13 years after signing a deal with McLaren.

“McLaren Applied Technologies will work with BAT on areas including battery technology and advanced materials,” a statement from the team stated. “The two companies will share best-practice, innovation knowhow and mutual experience.”

McLaren was once famously sponsored by BAT’s rivals Philip Morris through its Marlboro brand.

BAT says it will have on-car presence throughout the season, which will conform to the regulations concerning tobacco advertising.

BAT ran its own F1 team after buying Tyrrell in 1997. As British American Racing (BAR) it claimed 15 podium places and in 2004 was second in the constructors’ championship when Jenson Button was their main driver. British American sold out to Honda in 2006.