Force India team owner Vijay Mallya could change the name of the team to try and attract more sponsors.
Just before the first race of the 2017 season, Force India announced a raft of new sponsors, most notably the BWT water company who’s colours have changed the VJM10 into a bright pink.
Mallya bought the team nearly 10 years ago after the outfit had been passed through several different owners since the sale of the Jordan team in 2005.
After finishing fourth in the constructors’ championship last season, the Silverstone-based outfit currently remains in that fourth position this season with 71 points.
Mallya told Motorsport.com: “There is a growing feeling that maybe since we are a much-improved team in terms of performance and attracting more international sponsors, and sadly less Indian sponsors, there is a debate as to why the name should not be changed to give it a more international flavour.
“There are some people who believe the current name Force India is restrictive psychologically. “I’m considering along with the other shareholders what steps to take but it’s a major decision and one that is not going to be taken in a hurry without due consideration.
“More importantly, we have to look at the way the F1 scenario is unfolding under Liberty ownership. If they follow the NFL model, then, of course, the name becomes even more important because it’s a franchise model where the focus is on the name. But the current pattern may continue.
“These are all issues I’ll consider with the other shareholders before arriving at any final conclusion.”
Mallya is remaining insistent the name change has nothing to do with his own personal legal challenges; Indian authorities are currently chasing the team owner to the tune of an estimated £900million after the collapse of his former airline, Kingfisher Airlines.
The 61-year old also admits that relations with his home country have been strained in recent years. His passport has been taken away and he is currently residing in the UK, unable to travel with his team during the season.
“The fact the country of India and me are not the best partners is something that has been going on for a few years now,” added Mallya. “This is nothing new.
“I haven’t in the last few years considered any name change. It’s purely to do with current sponsorship, a proposal on the table and sponsorship going forward for the team.”
