I'm writing to express my disappointment at the news of partnerships between Formula 1 teams and tobacco companies. F1 ended cigarette sponsorships in 2006, which was the right thing to do. I urge F1 to extend this sponsorship ban to all tobacco products including nicotine pouches, which are rising in popularity among young people.
It is deeply troubling that Philip Morris International is sponsoring the Ferrari team to promote its Zyn nicotine pouches, while British American Tobacco sponsors the McLaren team to promote its Velo nicotine pouches.
By sponsoring F1 teams and pasting brand logos on cars and drivers, tobacco companies are reaching millions of young fans around the world – the same fans F1 works hard to attract through its partnerships with youth-oriented brands like Disney, Lego and Hot Wheels. Decades of science shows this type of marketing and sponsorship appeals to kids, who are particularly vulnerable to these harmful and addictive products.
Nicotine pouches pose serious risks to the health of young people. These products deliver high levels of nicotine, which is extremely addictive, can harm the developing adolescent brain, and can prime the brain for addiction to other drugs.
F1 must not be complicit in tobacco companies' targeting of kids. Please act quickly to ban all tobacco company sponsorships.
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