A recent news report highlights concerns about tobacco industry sponsorship in Formula One and the potential exposure of young audiences to related marketing. According to a Reuters report, more than 160 health and tobacco control organizations have urged Formula One and several of its partners, including The Walt Disney Company, The LEGO Group and Mattel, to prohibit sponsorships linked to the tobacco industry. The organizations raised concerns about the visibility of tobacco-industry-owned nicotine pouch brands such as ZYN and VELO through Formula One team partnerships and branding activities.

The issue has drawn attention in light of the sport’s growing youth audience. According to the latest data, more than 4 million children between the ages of 8 and 12 are already actively following Formula One in the European Union and the United States. In addition, more than 54% of Formula One followers on TikTok and 40% on Instagram are under 25 years of age. The development highlights ongoing concerns about tobacco industry marketing tactics and youth exposure through high-profile sporting events.

References

1. Reuters. 2026. Campaigners say big tobacco targets kids via F1, call for sponsorship ban.
   https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/campaigners-say-big-tobacco-targets-kids-via-f1-call-sponsorship-ban-2026-03-04/

2. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. 2026. Health groups call on Formula One to end tobacco sponsorship.
   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HNLyHMbBp/

3. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. 2026. Letters to Formula One, Disney, LEGO and Mattel regarding tobacco industry sponsorship.
   https://assets.tobaccofreekids.org/content/press_office/2026/2026_03_04_Letters-to-Formula-1_Disney_LEGO_Mattel.pdf