Formula One’s Bernie Ecclestone has revealed the motorsport is currently negotiating multi-million pound sponsorship deals with a vodka brand, to become the official spirit of F1, and a mobile operator.
According to Ecclestone the sport is “chasing one or two people that want to be involved” adding “we are looking at phones and drinks. People like vodka and things like that”.
Luxury goods brand LVMH’s Belvedere vodka is speculated to be in the running for the sponsorship deal, though Belvedere president Charles Gibb denied the brand were in talks with Ecclestone commenting “there are no discussions taking place with F1”.
At this point in time there is no word on which mobile operator the sport has its eye on. Vodafone has continued links with F1 having held advertising spots at five races in the last year. The telecoms provider also spends and estimated £47 million per year on its sponsorship deal with the McLaren team, though it has been reported the brand is looking to review the partnership.
Currently F1 boasts 10 official partners including the likes of Rolex and UBS, perks of being an official sports sponsor include trackside signage rights and use of the F1 brand in advertising.