F1 Sprint Qualifying gets its own lead sponsor

Crypto.com, the fastest growing crypto platform with over 10 million users worldwide, has been contracted as the lead partner for F1's upcoming Sprint Qualifying events.

F1 will trial the novel concept at three venues this season starting next month at Silverstone, where drivers will compete in a short 100-km race on Saturday afternoon that will serve to determine the grid order for Sunday's race.

The approach aims to boost the interest of the F1 fan community as well as broadcasters' ratings, and the potential additional exposure has enticed Crypto.com to jump on board as a leading partner, but also as global partner for F&.

As part of its commercial deal with the sport, Crypto.com become the Official Cryptocurrency Sponsor and NFT Partner of F1, enjoying trackside presence at every race for the remainder of the 2021 season.

"We are thrilled to announce Crypto.com as a Global Partner and lead partner of the Sprint event as we bring this exciting new format to fans for the first time this year," commented Ben Pincus, F1's director of commercial partnerships.

"We will rely heavily on their expertise as we explore the world of cryptocurrency, an area we are very interested in, and this will be the first time as a sport we are able to offer fans the opportunity to explore this exciting world as we further increase our digital presence."

Read also: Todt no fan of sprint qualifying: 'I don't think F1 needs it'

Kris Marszalek, co-Founder and CEO of Crypto.com, said:

"We are extremely proud to be the first cryptocurrency sponsor of Formula 1, joining a prestigious collection of brands supporting a sport with technology and innovation at its core.

"We look forward to many years of innovating together, and will begin at the Belgian Grand Prix where we will present a brand new award.

"We’re also excited to partner with F1 in the development of exclusive NFTs, connecting fans to the sport in new and innovative ways."

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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.