Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFIA

No ban on alcohol sponsorship says Todt

FIA President Jean Todt has ruled out any ban or restrictions on alcohol sponsorship in Formula 1.

A recent report conducted by the European Alcohol Policy Alliance known as Eurocare showed that based on brand exposure in last year's Monaco Grand Prix, F1's global audience of around 500 million was exposed to an alcohol brand every five seconds.

The report followed the non-governmental public health group's attempts to draw attention to the matter when it issued an open letter to Jean Todt in 2014, calling on the Frenchman to "take a stand and demonstrate moral leadership on the issue".

Todt responded by highlighting the FIA's "Action for Road Safety" campaign which he initiated in 2009. The FIA President, who acknowledged receipt of Eurocare's report, also said he could not intervene on the matter.

“The use of advertising for alcohol is not linked to the FIA,” Todt said at the International Transport Forum in Germany. “It’s linked to each singular country. I’m completely against and advocating against drinking and driving, but each country needs to make his own job. “You cannot ban alcohol, it is not possible, but you can educate people not to drink and drive. So we are working very closely on that because we know it is an essential topic to be addressed.”

Currently, three teams carry alcohol sponsorship: Williams (Martini), Force India (Smirnoff and Kingfisher, and McLaren (Johnnie Walker).

Click here for a more light-hearted take on the Monaco Grand Prix.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.