Santander to partner with Formula 1 following Ferrari exit

©Ferrari

Global banking giant Santander has signed a multi-year deal to become an official partner of Formula 1 starting in 2025, a move that will follow the conclusion at the end of the season of its current sponsorship of Ferrari.

Last week, it was confirmed that Ferrari and Santander would part ways, paving the path for UniCredit to become Ferrari’s new sponsor.

Santander’s history with the Prancing Horse dates back to a seven-year collaboration between 2010 and 2017, which was reignited in 2022 for a three-season stint that coincided with Carlos Sainz’s presence at the Scuderia.

However, with the Spanish driver leaving Ferrari at the end of the year, the bank’s sights are now set on a broader engagement with Formula 1 rather than on a team-specific collaboration.

As part of the agreement, Santander’s branding will be highly visible across a variety of races, particularly in key markets for the bank.

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Fans can expect to see its logos on trackside signage at circuits in the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, Spain, the UK, and other important regions.

Beyond traditional advertising, the bank has promised to deliver exclusive content and fan engagement initiatives as part of its partnership, expanding its influence within the sport both on and off the track.

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his enthusiasm about the deal, praising the global reach of Santander and its longstanding ties to the sport.

“I am delighted that Santander, an incredible global brand, is becoming an Official Partner of Formula 1,” Domenicali said.

“Santander has a proud history in our sport, and they know the huge platform we can provide to amplify their story to customers around the globe.”

Santander’s Spanish heritage is also reflected in its future plans, with the bank reportedly keen to sponsor races in both Madrid and Barcelona if they are included on the 2026 F1 calendar.

This would further strengthen its ties to the sport in Spain, the bank’s originating country.

As for UniCredit, Ferrari has yet to disclose how prominently the Italian financial institution’s branding will feature in its cars from 2025, but it is likely to take over the visibility currently held by Santander.

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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.