Heineken set to enter F1 as global sponsor

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Dutch publication De Telegraaf is reporting that the Heineken multinational brewery company has signed a major global sponsorship contract with FOM worth approximately €200 million over a five-year period.

The partnership apparently involves trackside advertising and presence of the Heineken brand on additional F1 supports.

De Telegraaf also believes Heineken, whose contract may even be initiated as early as next month's Canadian Grand Prix, may be interested in putting its branding on an existing F1 team's cars, the identity of which remains unknown at this stage.

"Heineken will probably also enter into a partnership with one of the teams as part of the sponsorship agreement with FOM," wrote the publication.

Formula 1 trackside signage and advertising has been fulfilled by Rolex and Pirelli for the past few seasons, with Heineken now set to replace both brands.

Following the departure of tobacco companies from the sport a while ago, F1 has often faced calls to end alcohol sponsorship as well.

A report, published last year by European Alcohol Policy Alliance network Eurocare, highlighted what it called the "dangerous cocktail" represented by Grand Prix racing's image and alcohol drink brands, and urged the sport to move away from such sponsorship.

Obviously, Heineken believes that a wide-scale presence in F1 makes sense given its markets and demographics.

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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.