British American Tobacco’s sponsored brand, Velo, is being used by McLaren as a part of their shift from traditional cigarettes to non-tobacco nicotine products such as Velo’s flavored nicotine pouches and Vuse’s e-cigarettes.
Earlier in April, the Dutch government, following suit with other European nations, banned all forms of nicotine pouches over concerns related to health, focusing mainly on the ease of access to addictive snus pouches and vaping devices for underage individuals.
Interestingly, the Dutch laws regarding the prohibition of advertising such products are not yet finalized, allowing McLaren to lawfully continue to feature its Velo branding at the Zandvoort race.
McLaren’s team has asserted that all branding on their race cars is in full alignment with the legal and advertising standards of every country where they compete, as confirmed to F1 Flow.com by a team spokesperson.
This legal ambiguity led to a formal complaint lodged with the Dutch Advertising Code Committee by several Dutch health organizations, including the Dutch Heart Foundation and the KWF Dutch Cancer Society.
“It once again highlights how the tobacco industry strives to maintain the addiction of the youth to sustain their harmful and fatal business,” said Carla van Gils, the director of the KWF Dutch Cancer Society, in a public statement.
“It’s astounding that advertising a product that has been prohibited is permitted.”
For most of the 2023 races, McLaren prominently showcases Velo’s branding on the sidepod, except for seven races where it is substituted with OKX, a crypto company.
In Zandvoort, through a fan contest, the brand will be represented as “LOVE.” The company initiated a random drawing on social media, giving 60 fans an opportunity to have their names on the MCL60, driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Additionally, one lucky participant will win a trip to the Dutch Grand Prix.
Although alternative smoking products remain largely unregulated in various nations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has implemented a ban on selling all nicotine items to individuals under 21. In the UK, unlike vapes, nicotine pouches are not classified as tobacco-related and can be legally purchased by those under 18.
The Dutch Grand Prix fan contest by Velo was open exclusively to participants over 18 years of age.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: McLaren F1’s nicotine advertising
What is the complaint against McLaren F1’s Velo branding about?
The complaint is about McLaren F1’s use of Velo branding, a non-tobacco nicotine product, in their advertising. Dutch health organizations, including the Dutch Heart Foundation and the KWF Dutch Cancer Society, filed the complaint with the Dutch Advertising Code Committee. They expressed concern over the advertisement of a product that has been banned in the Netherlands, particularly as it relates to the accessibility of addictive nicotine products to minors.
Who filed the complaint against McLaren F1’s nicotine advertising?
The complaint against McLaren F1’s Velo branding was filed by several Dutch health organizations, including the Dutch Heart Foundation and the KWF Dutch Cancer Society.
Is McLaren F1’s advertising of Velo legal?
Yes, McLaren F1’s advertising of Velo is legal. The Dutch legislation concerning the ban on advertising nicotine pouches is still in progress, meaning McLaren can legally carry its Velo branding in Zandvoort.
What products are represented by Velo, and how is McLaren involved?
Velo is one of the brands that McLaren’s sponsor, British American Tobacco, created to pivot away from cigarettes towards tobacco-free nicotine products. These include Velo’s flavored nicotine pouches and the Vuse brand’s e-cigarettes. McLaren has been displaying Velo branding on its race cars.
Where will Velo’s branding be replaced by OKX in the 2023 races?
McLaren’s main Velo branding is displayed on the sidepod at all but seven 2023 races, where it is replaced by the crypto firm OKX.
What is the Dutch government’s stance on nicotine products?
In April this year, the Dutch government joined other European countries to ban the sale of all types of nicotine pouches due to health concerns, specifically regarding the accessibility of addictive snus pouches and vapes to minors. However, legislation on the advertising ban for these products is still under development.
More about fokus keyword: McLaren F1’s nicotine advertising
- McLaren F1 Official Website
- Dutch Heart Foundation
- KWF Dutch Cancer Society
- Dutch Advertising Code Committee
- British American Tobacco
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Information on Dutch Legislation Concerning Nicotine Products
6 comments
Can’t believe they can still advetise this stuff in some countries, it’s like they don’t care about people’s health or something. What’s the point of banning sales if you can still advertise???
It’s a complex issue guys, remember business is business. But I do agree, somethings not right if a product is banned, but advertising is still allowed. Who’s regulating this anyway?
This is why we need strnger laws on advertising for tobacco and nicotine products. the youth is at risk and companies are just looking at the profits!!
i think Mclaren is just doing business, but i agree with Jenny. Stricter rules and clear legislation is the way to go. It’s a messy situation right now.
I think it’s about time the governments step in and make clear laws that protects everyone. the Dutch are banning the product, so the advertising should go too. But this ain’t just about the Dutch, other countries better take note too.
Wow, Mclaren involved in this sort of branding? didn’t think they would go there. health should come first.