Attorneys General Urge Formula 1 to Curb Nicotine Sponsorships, Citing Youth Exposure

Baltimore, MD – Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 19 state and jurisdictional attorneys general in a concerted effort to persuade Formula 1 and its governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), to eliminate all sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products. The group has formally requested that existing sponsorship agreements for these products be terminated and that future sponsorships of this nature be prohibited.

The attorneys general voiced significant concerns in a letter addressed to the leadership of FIA and Formula 1, highlighting the perceived resurgence of tobacco companies targeting young audiences through prominent sponsorships in high-profile motorsports. Specific attention was drawn to the advertising of nicotine pouches, a product category associated with major tobacco companies, in connection with Formula 1 teams and events. This move by the attorneys general builds upon a long-standing history of consumer protection efforts, particularly concerning the marketing of tobacco products to minors, referencing the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement which imposed restrictions on advertising practices aimed at youth, including limitations on sports sponsorships within auto racing.

A key element of the coalition’s argument rests on Formula 1’s demonstrably growing youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial increase in viewership among children and teenagers, coinciding with significant growth across streaming platforms and social media engagement. This expanding young audience, the attorneys general contend, makes the presence of nicotine product advertising particularly concerning. Further exacerbating these worries are Formula 1’s reported ventures into partnerships with brands that appeal to younger consumers, including those in the toy manufacturing and media sectors. This initiative follows a similar call in March from 160 international public health organizations and advocates who also urged Formula 1 to cease all tobacco and nicotine sponsorships, underscoring the scientific evidence linking exposure to tobacco advertising and marketing with an increased likelihood of nicotine use among young people and future tobacco initiation.

The coalition is comprised of the attorneys general from Arizona, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, in addition to Maryland. The collective action aims to safeguard young consumers from the pervasive influence of nicotine advertising within a sport that has seen a notable surge in popularity among this demographic.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

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