Attorney General Clark Leads Multistate Effort Urging Formula 1 To End Tobacco and Nicotine Product Sponsorships

Attorney General Charity Clark today led a coalition of attorneys general from 18 other states and jurisdictions 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 to terminate all existing sponsorship agreements involving those products.

In a letter sent to FIA and Formula 1 leadership, the coalition 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.

The coalition noted that Attorneys General have a longstanding history of protecting consumers and young people from the harms of tobacco marketing. The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) 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. The coalition also highlighted Formula 1's expanding partnerships with youth-oriented entertainment and consumer brands, including toy manufacturers and media companies.

Attorney General Clark has co-chaired the National Association of Attorneys General's "Tobacco Committee" since 2024. Attorney General Clark and the Attorney General of Hawaiʻi co-led today's letter, which was also signed by the Attorneys General of Arizona, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington.

Contact: Lauren Jandl, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171