Anti-nicotine groups urge F1 to cut ties with Big Tobacco and protect young fans. Over 160 health and anti-tobacco groups call on Formula 1 to ban partnerships with tobacco companies.

162 anti-tobacco and public health groups have written to Formula 1.

A strong stance

The Reuters news agency has reported on an appeal signed by 162 anti-tobacco and health advocacy groups, which sent a strongly worded letter to the Formula One Group calling for a ban on sponsorship agreements between certain teams and major tobacco corporations – commonly referred to as Big Tobacco.

The reason behind this initiative lies in the increasingly large and youthful audience of the sport, which, according to the groups, is at risk of nicotine dependence also due to the advertising messages conveyed through Formula 1.

The accusation against F1: “Do not be complicit”

The organizations – led by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the American Lung Association – explained: “By sponsoring Formula 1 teams, tobacco companies seek to reach the young audience that the sport has attracted. Formula 1 must not be complicit.”

Ferrari and McLaren in the spotlight

Two teams have become the primary focus of the anti-tobacco groups: Ferrari, due to its partnership with Philip Morris International, and McLaren, for its collaboration with British American Tobacco.

The two tobacco giants promote nicotine pouch brands, Zyn for PMI and Velo for BAT, with their logos appearing on the cars of the two leading Formula 1 teams.

In response to the letter, both Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco stated that their marketing campaigns are aimed exclusively at an adult audience.

According to an official Formula 1 statement referring to the 2025 season, nearly 4 million children between the ages of 8 and 12 actively follow the sport. The increasing presence in recent years of brands like Disney, Lego, and Hot Wheels is therefore far from coincidental.