Marlboro, owned by Philip Morris International, has been the title sponsor of Ferrari’s Formula One racing team for over a decade. Their current agreement ends this year, but talks are on the table to extend the tobacco sponsorship deal, which is reportedly worth close to $1 billion over ten years. Though the sponsorship doesn’t involve any branding on the car – that has been banned – history indicates that the Marlboro logo will make itself known. Just last year, Ferrari came under fire for using the Marlboro barcode on its car, as part of a subliminal advertising scheme designed to circumvent international laws. Ferrari removed the barcode last year.

Tobacco companies have had a long history of race sponsorship, using the cars as repetitive advertising to a captive and receptive audience. Branding and advertising is a key component of getting youth and young adults to try their products and become life-long customers.

Ferrari is the only team in Formula One that has a commercial sponsorship from the tobacco industry. Their official name – Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro -- helps Philip Morris International market their cigarettes worldwide and continues to promote a product that is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide.

Ferrari can take the responsible step and end tobacco’s ties with racing once and for all. 

Photo credit: Dr. Keats