How Ferrari and McLaren gave F1 an incurable headache
At last year's Japanese Grand Prix, the re-emergence of tobacco sponsorship was evident at Ferrari, and McLaren's BAT deal followed for 2019. The return of such sponsors means F1 must consider the wider impact
A €350million investment does not occur without good reason. Just because tobacco advertising was banned more than a decade ago doesn't mean that the companies themselves or Formula 1 teams have forgotten the massive benefits that could be had from a tie-up.
Tobacco advertising grew into one of the most globally scrutinised elements of F1, thanks to shifting social attitudes towards smoking and increasingly strict laws in Europe and the wider world.
Share Or Save This Story
More from Scott Mitchell
The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season
Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge
Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1
Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0'
Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races
Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna
Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest
Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa
Latest news
Formula 1 drivers with the most converted pole positions to race wins
Lundgaard feels “more natural pace” with Arrow McLaren in debut test
How a standard bearer of BTCC’s golden era replicated Vauxhall glory with Nissan
Meyer Shank signs BMW, Cadillac talents for IMSA return with Acura
Autosport Plus
How Red Bull owes its F1 future - and past - to Ford
How F1’s most famous engine unlocked the potential of Brabham's forgotten gem
The detail focus that will make Audi’s Red Bull hire a hit team boss
The Russell traits that will ease his adaption to becoming Mercedes team leader
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.