Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids said that 160 public health and advocacy groups from 57 countries have urged Formula One to extend its ban on tobacco sponsorships to include nicotine pouches, warning that current team partnerships with Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco, promoting Zyn and Velo through Ferrari and McLaren, make branding visible to millions of young fans. In a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the groups said the sponsorships undermine the sport’s youth-focused expansion efforts and expose minors to addictive nicotine products, citing data that a significant share of F1’s social media audience is under 25. Separate letters were also sent to The Walt Disney Company, The Lego Group, and Mattel, calling on them to support a comprehensive prohibition on all tobacco-related sponsorships in the sport.
Tag: F1
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Anti-Tobacco Group Alarmed that PMI, BAT Spending $40M on F1 Sponsorships
Anti-tobacco advocacy group STOP (Stopping Tobacco Organizations and Products) is increasing scrutiny of nicotine brand marketing in Formula 1, arguing that partnerships between teams and companies linked to tobacco firms risk exposing younger audiences to nicotine products. The watchdog group claims the growing presence of products such as nicotine pouches and other smoke-free alternatives in motorsport sponsorship represents a regulatory gap that allows continued brand visibility despite historic restrictions on tobacco advertising.
STOP highlighted recent sponsorship activity believed to be a combined $40 million by Philip Morris’ Zyn nicotine pouch products on Ferrari race teams and BAT’s Velo brand appearing in F1 team partnerships. Jorge Alday, director of STOP at Vital Strategies, said the organization is concerned given Formula 1’s expanding and increasingly youthful global fanbase. The group is urging regulators and sports governing bodies to consider tighter oversight of nicotine product marketing in international sporting events, while industry stakeholders maintain that such products fall within existing legal frameworks governing reduced-risk or non-combustible nicotine alternatives.
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PMI Expands Partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP
Philip Morris International announced an expanded partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP and the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli for the 2026 season and beyond. As part of the deal, PMI’s ZYN nicotine pouches will appear on select Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 liveries, debuting at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7.
Stefano Volpetti, PMI’s President of Smoke-Free Products, said the collaboration reflects a shared drive to innovate and engage adult consumers. “By further enhancing our partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP, we hope to accelerate the replacement of cigarettes, and we want our adult consumers of nicotine products, like ZYN, to embrace and enjoy every moment of this thrilling ride,” he said.
Ferrari’s Lorenzo Giorgetti highlighted the partnership’s longevity and shared values, saying, “Our renewed collaboration with PMI continues a relationship that has lasted for over fifty years, grounded in scientific progress and long-term thinking.”
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VELO, McLaren Unveil Fan-Created Livery for Abu Dhabi GP
VELO and the McLaren Formula 1 Team have unveiled a special, fan-created livery for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Designed by nine McLaren superfans from around the world, the livery features bespoke icons inspired by personal memories, team milestones, and McLaren’s broader community spirit.
VELO, McLaren Unveil Fan-Created Livery for Abu Dhabi GP
VELO and the McLaren Formula 1 Team have unveiled a special, fan-created livery for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Designed by nine McLaren superfans from around the world, the livery features bespoke icons inspired by personal memories, team milestones, and McLaren’s broader community spirit.
The project is part of the “Live Your Fandom” campaign, which has delivered unique fan experiences throughout the season. In August, the selected superfans visited the McLaren Technology Centre for a behind-the-scenes tour, a design workshop, and sessions with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and driver Lando Norris—where they unknowingly helped shape the final livery.
“VELO is proud to celebrate these experiences that allow fans to embrace their own unique fandom as part of a community,” said Luca Angiolillo, Global Head of Partnerships at BAT, “and we can’t wait to see this special fan-driven takeover take center stage at the season finale.” In August, the selected superfans visited the McLaren Technology Centre for a behind-the-scenes tour, a design workshop, and sessions with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and driver Lando Norris—where they unknowingly helped shape the final livery.
“VELO is proud to celebrate these experiences that allow fans to embrace their own unique fandom as part of a community,” said Luca Angiolillo, Global Head of Partnerships at BAT, “and we can’t wait to see this special fan-driven takeover take center stage at the season finale.”