US Attorneys General Pressure F1 and FIA to Ban Nicotine Sponsorships

Attorneys general from 19 US states and jurisdictions have formally urged Formula 1 and the FIA to ban all nicotine pouch sponsorships. The move targets a regulatory loophole that has allowed teams to maintain tobacco-industry ties despite a formal ban on cigarette advertising since 2006.

Why it matters:

Formula 1 is currently in the midst of an aggressive expansion into the US market, heavily prioritizing a younger demographic. The presence of highly addictive nicotine products on the grid creates a sharp contradiction with the sport's "family-friendly" pivot, potentially risking legal friction and reputational damage in its most lucrative growth market.

The Details:

• The Loophole: While traditional cigarettes are banned, teams have pivoted to nicotine pouches. Ferrari has integrated Zyn (a PMI subsidiary) since late 2025, while McLaren continues its long-standing partnership with British American Tobacco via Velo branding.
• Brand Clash: F1 has recently secured "youth-focused" partnerships with giants like Disney, Lego, and Mattel. The letter highlights a glaring inconsistency: Lego and Mattel refuse to allow Velo branding on their products, yet the sport accepts the sponsorship on the cars.
• Legal Leverage: The US Attorneys General have a proven track record of extracting billions from the tobacco industry in the 1990s. Their involvement suggests this is more than a mere request; it is a strategic warning.
• Regulatory Hurdle: While the request was sent to both Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the actual power to legislate sponsor restrictions lies solely with the FIA.

What's next:

The FIA now faces a critical decision: protect the commercial freedom of teams like Ferrari and McLaren or align with the public health standards of the US government. Given F1's heavy investment in US races and viewership, the pressure to terminate these "modern tobacco" deals may become insurmountable if the FIA wishes to avoid a legal battle on American soil.