Ferrari matches Red Bull's mega sponsorship deal: top F1 external sponsors revealed

At the beginning of 2024, Oracle held the title of being the largest external sponsor of a Formula 1 team. The American technology giant has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Red Bull, contributing significantly not just in financial support, but also in the realm of advanced software solutions.

However, since the Miami Grand Prix, Oracle’s status as the leading F1 sponsor has been shared with HP, which secured a massive sponsorship deal with Ferrari. HP is not only a key financial supporter of the Scuderia but also provides cutting-edge equipment, including computers and 3D printers, playing a pivotal role in the team’s technological advancements.

Both Red Bull and Ferrari now receive approximately $100 million annually from Oracle and HP, placing these two brands at the top of the list for external team sponsors in F1. Aramco, a Saudi Arabian multinational, takes the third spot, providing substantial backing to Aston Martin, with an estimated annual contribution of $75 million.

Other notable sponsors include Petronas, which continues to serve as the title sponsor for Mercedes, and Stake, the title sponsor for Sauber. These brands complete the top five, making up a significant portion of the financial support fueling F1’s top teams.

However, Red Bull has seen a key sponsor exit. The contract between Red Bull and cryptocurrency exchange Bybit ended at the close of 2024 and will not be renewed, leaving a gap that the team will need to address. Red Bull is expected to announce new sponsors to fill this void in the near future.

The table below lists the five largest external team sponsors based on their financial contributions.

When considering the total value of these deals, which include both software and hardware contributions from various sponsors, RacingNews365 believes that Oracle likely remains the largest external sponsor in Formula 1.

Note: The figures provided below are estimates, based on information gathered from multiple sources within the F1 paddock and teams.

Position	Sponsor	Team	Deal value ($)
1	Oracle	Red Bull Racing	100 million
1	HP	Ferrari	100 million
3	Aramco	Aston Martin	75 million
4	Petronas	Mercedes	70 million
5	Stake	Stake F1 Team	50 million

Oracle
Oracle, a renowned American software company, has been an influential player in the world of Formula 1 for many years. Currently, the company is one of Red Bull’s major sponsors, but its involvement in the sport dates back to the 1990s, when it collaborated with the Benetton team—an era when Jos Verstappen was also behind the wheel for the team. Oracle’s relationship with Red Bull is not limited to financial backing. The company plays a crucial role in providing cutting-edge software solutions that support the team’s tactical operations, including vital calculations for pit stop strategies and race-day decisions. Each year, Oracle contributes a substantial financial sum to Red Bull, reinforcing its presence as one of the sport’s most significant external sponsors.

HP
In a groundbreaking move during the Miami Grand Prix, Ferrari entered into a major partnership with HP, which now serves as the Scuderia’s title sponsor. The deal is reported to be worth a substantial sum, with HP committing to a contribution of approximately $100 million annually. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Ferrari’s sponsorship landscape. Along with its financial backing, HP plays an integral role in providing advanced technology to the team, supplying cutting-edge hardware such as computers and 3D printing equipment. HP’s logo prominently appears on the Ferrari cars and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, further solidifying its deepened involvement in the world of Formula 1.

Aramco
Aramco, the state-owned oil giant from Saudi Arabia, has become an indispensable presence in the world of Formula 1. Its sponsorship portfolio spans not only its partnership with Aston Martin but also its broader involvement as a sponsor of the championship itself. This means that Aramco’s influence extends beyond the sponsorship of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso’s cars, as the company also serves as a prominent sponsor of various race events and circuits. The partnership with Aston Martin is especially notable, as Aramco is the sole sponsor listed in the team’s name, further increasing its financial commitment. Although there are rumors suggesting that Aramco may hold shares in Lawrence Stroll’s team, these remain speculative at this stage.

Petronas
Petronas, the Malaysian fuel supplier, has had a longstanding relationship with Formula 1, particularly through its deep partnership with Mercedes. Not only does Petronas supply fuel to the Mercedes team, but the two companies collaborate closely on the development of high-performance fuels for both Mercedes and its customer teams. In addition to this technical partnership, Petronas contributes an annual sum of approximately $70 million to Mercedes, ensuring its continued presence as one of the sport’s key sponsors.

Stake
Stake, an Australian-based gambling company, has made significant strides in Formula 1 in recent years. Initially entering the sport as a major sponsor of the Alfa Romeo team, Stake has since elevated its involvement by becoming Sauber’s title partner starting in 2024. This partnership will continue into 2025, with Stake providing around $50 million annually to the Hinwil-based team. Beyond its financial contribution, Stake is planning to launch an extensive activation campaign within F1, signaling its intention to expand its presence and engagement in the sport in the coming seasons.