Global Health Coalition Demands Formula One Terminate Tobacco Sponsorships Amid Surging Youth Viewership Numbers

Campaigners urge Formula One to ban nicotine pouch sponsors like Zyn and Velo as youth viewership hits 4 million. Read about the push for cleaner F1 branding.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 8:16 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CNA

A Massive Advocacy Push Against Nicotine Branding

The commercial foundation of Formula One is facing a significant ethical challenge as a global collective of health advocates demands an immediate end to tobacco industry ties. On Wednesday, 162 anti-tobacco groups, including the American Lung Association and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, dispatched formal letters to the sport's commercial rights holders. The coalition argues that the presence of nicotine pouch branding on cars and driver suits serves as a gateway to addiction for the millions of minors who now follow the sport. This coordinated effort marks a new flashpoint in the long-standing tension between high-octane sporting sponsorships and public health mandates, particularly as the industry pivots toward "smokeless" products.

The Rise of Nicotine Pouches in Team Partnerships

At the center of the controversy are high-profile deals involving the sport’s most iconic teams. Philip Morris International currently sponsors Scuderia Ferrari through its Zyn brand, while British American Tobacco maintains a prominent partnership with McLaren via its Velo labels. These brands are not mere background logos; in December, the Zyn partnership was expanded to cover additional race events, and Velo branding is slated for a featured role during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Campaigners assert that these visual cues are strategically placed to resonate with the exact demographic that F1 has spent years cultivating through digital engagement and social media presence.

Strategic Misalignment With Youth Oriented Brand Partners

The advocacy group’s strategy involves putting pressure on F1’s "clean" corporate partners to force a policy change. Letters were sent to major global brands like Disney, Lego, and Mattel, all of which have recently collaborated with Formula One to capture the imagination of younger fans. According to Yolonda Richardson, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the sport should not be "complicit" in tobacco companies' efforts to reach children. By targeting these family-friendly partners, campaigners hope to create a reputational risk that outweighs the financial benefits of tobacco-related revenue, potentially forcing a choice between traditional toy manufacturers and nicotine product distributors.