Attorney General Raoul Urges Formula 1 To End Tobacco And Nicotine Product Sponsorships

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in calling on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 to prohibit sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, and terminate all existing sponsorship agreements involving those products.

In their letter to FIA and Formula 1 leadership, Raoul and the attorneys general expressed concern that tobacco companies are once again reaching young audiences through high-profile motorsports sponsorships. The letter specifically cites nicotine pouch advertising connected to Formula 1 teams and events, including products marketed by major tobacco companies.

“As attorneys general, we have a long-standing commitment to protecting our youth from tobacco and nicotine use by addressing advertisements that target young people. I urge Formula 1 and the FIA to use their rising popularity among youth to prevent tobacco companies from using sporting events as a platform to market addictive, life-threatening tobacco products,” Raoul said. “Now more than ever, I will continue to stand alongside my colleagues to prioritize the health of youth in Illinois and across the country.”

Raoul and the coalition noted in their letter that they have a long-standing history of protecting consumers and young people from the harms of tobacco marketing. For example, the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement restricted tobacco advertising practices that targeted youth, including sponsorship limitations tied to sporting events and auto racing.

The attorneys general emphasized that Formula 1’s rapidly growing youth audience heightens concerns about exposure to nicotine product advertising. According to Formula 1 reports, viewership among children and teenagers has increased significantly in recent years, alongside major growth across streaming platforms and social media. Raoul and the coalition also highlighted Formula 1’s expanding partnerships with youth-oriented entertainment and consumer brands, including toy manufacturers and media companies.

In March, 160 international public health organizations and advocates similarly called on Formula 1 to eliminate tobacco and nicotine sponsorships from the sport. Research shows that tobacco advertising and marketing exposure can increase the likelihood of youth nicotine use and future tobacco initiation.

Joining Raoul in filing the comment letter are the attorneys general Arizona, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

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