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A coalition of attorneys general from 19 states and jurisdictions has called on Formula 1 (F1) racing to cease sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products. The coalition sent a letter to F1 leadership, expressing concerns about tobacco companies reaching young audiences through high-profile motorsports sponsorships. The letter specifically highlights nicotine pouch advertising connected to F1 teams and events.
The tobacco industry watchdog, STOP, praised the attorneys general for their initiative. In March, 160 international public health organizations and advocates urged F1 to eliminate tobacco and nicotine sponsorships from the sport. According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, tobacco companies like Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco are promoting nicotine pouches through sponsorships of F1 teams, including Ferrari and McLaren. These sponsorships are prominently displayed on cars and race suits and are heavily promoted on social media.
F1 has aggressively expanded its global youth audience through partnerships with Disney, Lego, and Mattel’s Hot Wheels. These partnerships include appearances by popular characters at F1 races and exclusive merchandise for kids. F1 has stated that more than four million children aged 8-12 actively follow the sport in the EU and the U.S., with a significant portion of its followers on TikTok and Instagram being under 25 years old.
Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, stated, "Marketing tobacco in the same venues as Disney, Lego, and Hot Wheels is part of the industry’s ongoing strategy to addict kids to products that harm them." The coalition is urging F1 to update its prohibition of cigarette sponsorships to include all tobacco products, including nicotine pouches.
Nicotine pouches pose serious risks to young people, exposing them to high levels of nicotine, which is extremely addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain. The letter to F1 was signed by 162 organizations from 57 countries. For more details, read the letters to F1 and its partners on the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' website.