
PepsiCo announces worldwide official partnership with Formula 1
PepsiCo announces a groundbreaking worldwide partnership with Formula 1®, beginning in 2025 as part of a multi-year commitment. This partnership unites the world's fastest growing sport with three of PepsiCo's powerhouse brands: Sting Energy, Gatorade, and Doritos. Each brand will be brought to life with the partnership as the deal connects the high-energy excitement of Formula 1 with PepsiCo's passion for creating unforgettable fan experiences around the world. With Formula 1's cumulative global audience of 1.6 billion viewers and an active fan base of 826 million, this partnership establishes a powerful platform for PepsiCo to engage with consumers across the 21 countries on the racing calendar, and more than 200 territories through broadcast.
As an Official Partner of Formula 1, PepsiCo has secured comprehensive rights, including: TV-visible trackside advertising; Fan Zone activation opportunities at 21 races; tickets and hospitality experiences; exclusive marketing rights for featured brands; and exclusive track pouring and product supply rights, across global race venues. The deal also includes an official partnership with F1 Sprint, which has proven to be hugely popular among fans with TV viewership on Sprint weekends on average 10% greater than a non-Sprint weekend. As part of its long-standing commitment to empowering women in sport, PepsiCo will also extend its involvement to F1 Academy, with more details to be shared in the coming weeks.
PepsiCo will be creating memorable fan engagement programs that include meaningful food and drink experiences beyond just the race venues through exciting on-pack promotions, digital experiences, and unique content that will bring Formula 1 to an even wider audience. This partnership includes opportunities, such as immersive brand experiences in Formula 1 Fan Zones, and rights for limited edition, co-branded products.
Sting Energy: Official Energy Drink of Formula 1
Sting Energy is set to electrify F1 fans around the globe with a surge of energy to the partnership. Its distinctive proposition lies in delivering the taste and refreshment of a soft drink, combined with the functional boost of an energy drink, all at an accessible price point. This winning combination has strongly resonated with consumers who live to make the most of every moment.
As PepsiCo's flagship energy brand, and one of the fastest-growing energy drinks globally, Sting Energy has experienced explosive growth over the past five years. It now ranks #1 or #2 in market share across key markets, where it has been launched, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, Morocco, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. With Sting currently available in 34 markets, this partnership presents a significant opportunity for the continued global expansion of Sting and Formula 1.
In a sport like Formula 1, where fans obsess over every detail, Sting Energy is tapping into the most iconic element of the experience — the sound. Teaming up with world-renowned DJ Armin van Buuren, Sting Energy playfully unveiled its unexpected connection to Formula 1 through a fun fan discovery – the distinct sound of 'Stinggg' has always existed within the roar of an F1 engine. What began as a playful studio experiment quickly ignited global buzz, sparking a wave of excitement among racing, music, and sports fans alike. The unexpected sonic crossover drove a viral conversation and set the stage for Sting's bold, immersive fan experiences — powered by the disruptive energy of sound.
Gatorade: Official Sports Drink of Formula 1
Gatorade will serve as the Official Sports Drink of Formula 1, as well as an Official Partner of F1 Sprint. A format defined by pure racing action, Gatorade provides the perfect partner between the F1 Sprint series and a brand that is widely associated with high performance and athletic success.
This sponsorship includes at-event hydration, on site branding, such as track signage, broadcast graphics and interview backdrops throughout Sprint weekends. Gatorade's Sprint sponsorship will begin later this year, giving fans an early taste of this partnership.
Doritos: Official Savory Snack Partner for F1
As the Official Savory Snack Partner of Formula 1, Doritos – the boldest snack – joins forces with the boldest sport. This partnership will bring the unmistakable flavor of Doritos to F1 fans around the world, delivering exciting culinary experiences through Doritos Loaded at race locations and beyond. With global activation rights, Doritos is set to turn up the flavor on and off the track.
'This landmark partnership with Formula 1 represents a perfect fusion of two global powerhouses that share a passion for creating extraordinary fan experiences,' said Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer, International Beverages, PepsiCo. 'Formula 1's unmatched global platform and tremendous growth trajectory align perfectly with our ambitions to accelerate our brands – particularly Sting Energy – on the world stage. Together, we'll deliver bold, innovative experiences that connect with drivers and fans at race venues and well beyond, while also supporting Formula 1's continued expansion to new audiences worldwide in markets where PepsiCo and Sting have a strong presence.'
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said:
'Today is a moment to celebrate the partnership between two iconic and historic global brands — a sparkling union that will bring together tradition and innovation, generating excitement, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences for our fans and customers around the world.
'PepsiCo will tap into the unique potential of Formula 1 as a global platform to connect with new audiences, and we will benefit from their energy, their extraordinary products, and their loyal community.
'With a long-standing history of creativity and an ability to celebrate the fun and special moments in life, PepsiCo is the ideal partner with whom to share unique moments along our journey.'
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, and Quake. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.
About Formula 1®
Formula 1® racing began in 1950 and is the world's most prestigious motor racing competition, as well as the world's most popular annual sporting series. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of Formula 1® and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship™. Formula 1® is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: FWONA, FWONK, LLYVA, LLVYK) attributed to the Formula One Group tracking stock. The F1 logo, F1 FORMULA 1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, PADDOCK CLUB and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Global oil refiners see short-term boost from higher margins
Refiners across the globe are reaping unexpected profits from producing key fuels in recent weeks, offering an ailing sector respite before an anticipated weakening later this year, as plant closures have tightened fuel supply needed to meet peak summer demand. The strength in fuel markets contrasts with crude oil prices falling to a four-year low in May, after Opec+ unwound output cuts faster than planned. It also suggests demand has so far proved resilient despite ongoing concerns about the impact of tariffs. "Margins are strong because the balance of products — supply and demand — is still tight," said Sparta Commodities analyst Neil Crosby. Refining margins reflect the profits a plant makes from processing crude oil into fuels such as gasoline or diesel. Just a few months ago, oil majors were warning 2025 would be a bleak year for refining. TotalEnergies and BP reported lower first-quarter profits because of weaker earnings from fuels. Refiners have broadly struggled with waning demand from economic slowdowns, an increasing uptake of electric vehicles, and competition from newer plants in Asia and Africa. Global composite refining margins reached $8.37 per barrel in May 2025, according to consultancy Wood Mackenzie, their highest since March 2024, but still much lower than the $33.50 average in June 2022 during the post-pandemic demand recovery and in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Closures in the United States and Europe have slowed global net refinery capacity growth below demand growth, helping to make operational refineries relatively more profitable. Global diesel supply could decline by 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) year-on-year in 2025, while demand will drop 40,000 bpd, according to energy consultancy FGE. Gasoline supply will decline by 180,000 bpd, with demand rising by 28,000 bpd. "We are therefore seeing a tighter product market for key transport fuels which is exerting upwards pressure on margins, much to the relief and joy of regional refiners," said FGE's head of refined products Eugene Lindell. Refiners of all fuel-producing configurations are benefitting from current margins, FGE's head of refining Qilin Tam added, as light fuels such as gasoline and heavy products like fuel oil have recently increased. In Europe, closures include Petroineos' Grangemouth refinery in Scotland and Shell's Wesseling facility this year, as well as a part closure of BP's Gelsenkirchen refinery. In the US, LyondellBasell's Houston refinery was shuttered this year, while Phillips 66's Los Angeles refinery and Valero's Benicia refinery are set to close in October 2025 in April 2026 respectively. Unplanned refinery shutdowns have also compounded the impact of closures. A power outage across the Iberian peninsula on April 28 took around 1.5 million bpd of refinery capacity offline, JPMorgan noted, with 400,000 bpd of that still shut in two weeks later. Two of the world's major new refinery projects, Nigeria's giant Dangote refinery, and Mexico's Olmeca refinery, both had unplanned outages on gasoline-producing units in April. Tighter balances Fuel inventories at key hubs have declined this year, creating extra demand for refinery production heading into the peak summer season. Stocks in the OECD region, which includes the U.S., EU and Singapore, fell by 50 million barrels over January-May, according to JPMorgan analysts. "This significant reduction in product stocks has underscored the resilience in product prices," the analysts said. Global fuel demand in the northern hemisphere is highest in summer as motoring and air travel increase. In the Middle East, heavy fuel oil demand peaks in summer to meet cooling demand when temperatures soar. "Strength in the northern hemisphere summer demand growth is where we see some support to margins," said Rystad Energy analyst Janiv Shah. US refining executives have been upbeat on demand, while noting relatively low stocks. "Our current gasoline supply outlook is for those inventories to continue to tighten," Phillips 66 executive vice president Brian Mandell said on the firm's first-quarter earnings call. Marathon Petroleum's domestic and export businesses were seeing steady demand for gasoline, and growth for diesel and jet compared to 2024, CEO Maryann Mannen said on its earnings call. However, analysts have warned that the current strength may soon fade as demand is hit by trade wars, and as fuel production rises as plants look to profit from higher margins. "We have the view that there is a bit of a short-term bump," Wood Mackenzie analyst Austin Lin said. Global oil demand growth is set to average 650,000 bpd for the remainder of 2025, falling from just short of 1 million bpd in the first quarter as trade uncertainty weighs on the global economy, according to the International Energy Agency. "Refiners should be hedging everything now, as I think this is as good as it gets for them," a veteran oil trader, who asked not to be named, added.


Zawya
12 hours ago
- Zawya
Smart Stays: How tech is unlocking the future of travel?
Once a travel essential, the humble hotel keycard – that trusty sliver of plastic is fast becoming yesterday's news. For decades, it was your ticket to a good night's sleep and a hot shower, but in an age of instant everything, even keycards are getting left behind. As today's travellers demand more convenience, tighter security, and frictionless experiences, hotels around the world are ditching the old-school swipe in favour of smarter, sleeker tech. One of the driving forces behind this shift is the rise of mobile check-ins and digital keys, which allow guests to bypass the front desk entirely and use their smartphones to unlock their rooms. But as many hotel experts point out, it's not just about eliminating the check-in line; it's also about solving some of the age-old frustrations that come with using keycards. The Traditional Keycard Dilemma It's a scenario every traveller knows: you're jet-lagged, hauling bags, and dreaming of a hot shower but your hotel keycard refuses to work. Instant frustration. The culprit? More often than not, it's your smartphone. When you slide your keycard next to your phone, the magnetic fields can zap the data on the strip, leaving you locked out in the hallway. But phones aren't the only offenders. Credit cards, debit cards and even keychains can mess with your keycard. The result? A corrupted strip and a useless piece of plastic. Heat, moisture, and constant wear and tear only make things worse. Drop your card in a damp beach bag or sweaty pocket, and you're basically asking for trouble. Forget it in your room or lose it while out exploring, you have to head back to reception to ask for another one. Keycards may have served us well, but in a world of smarter tech and higher expectations, they're starting to feel more like a travel nuisance than a convenience. Digital Innovation Considering these recurring frustrations, hotel brands are embracing digital solutions to provide guests with a more reliable and seamless experience. While some properties are turning to digital room keys that can be accessed via smartphones, others, like the all-inclusive hospitality brand Club Med, are introducing digital wristbands as a more robust alternative to the traditional room key. Club Med's approach to this problem is grounded in a desire to offer guests a hassle-free and secure way to access their rooms, participate in activities, and even make purchases on property. The digital wristband is a key innovation in this transition, designed to be durable, waterproof, and capable of avoiding the common pitfalls associated with traditional keycards. Club Med's Managing Director, Olivier Perrilat-Piratoine, explained that with Club Med's new digital wristbands, guests can not only unlock their rooms but also pay for meals, shop for souvenirs, and even book activities, all without ever needing to touch a physical card. By shifting to a more integrated system, the brand is streamlining the guest experience and ensuring that the hassle of a malfunctioning keycard becomes a thing of the past. Why the Shift Matters This tech shift isn't just about ditching plastic – it's about security and next-level personalisation. Mobile keys and digital wristbands are encrypted and tied directly to your personal profile. Unlike old-school keycards, they're way harder to lose, clone, or misuse. But here's where it really gets smart: these tools don't just open doors. They open up your entire stay. With a tap on your phone or flick of a wristband, you can book a spa treatment, reserve dinner, adjust your room's temperature. All done in real time and tailored to you. It's seamless, it's slick, and it makes guests feel seen. That kind of personal touch? It builds loyalty and keeps people coming back. A Tech-Driven Revolution From self-check-ins to digital room keys, the shift away from traditional keycards is more than just a trend. It's a response to the changing expectations of modern travellers, offering a more streamlined, secure, and personalised stay. And for those who've experienced the frustration of keycards that fail at the worst possible moment, it's easy to see why these digital alternatives are being welcomed. While Club Med is leading the charge with its digital wristbands, this shift is part of a larger trend sweeping the hospitality industry. Many hotels are now incorporating smart tech into their rooms, such as voice-activated assistants, smart thermostats, and AI-powered concierges. These innovations help hoteliers cater to the growing demand for seamless, tech-driven experiences. As the hospitality industry continues to embrace new technologies, the days of fumbling for a keycard or dealing with demagnetised cards may soon be behind us and the future of hotel room access is shaping up to be much more secure, efficient, and seamless. And all without a key in sight.


Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
WhatsApp to introduce usernames? Here's what you need to know
Soon, you may no longer need to give out your phone number to chat on WhatsApp. WhatsApp is working on a long-anticipated feature: usernames — allowing people to connect with others without sharing their actual phone numbers. This brings WhatsApp closer to platforms like Telegram and Signal, which have long offered similar privacy-centric options. According to findings from WABetaInfo (via Tecnoblog), traces of the feature were recently discovered in the TestFlight beta version for iOS. While it's not yet live for testers, WhatsApp appears to be building the system's framework and interface in the background. The introduction of usernames could mark a significant privacy milestone for WhatsApp, giving users greater control over who sees their personal information. Instead of displaying a phone number by default, the app will soon allow people to identify one another via unique handles. How will it work? Initial details reveal that users will be able to create a unique username consisting of lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. There are a few key rules: Usernames must contain at least one letter, to prevent all-number or symbol-based handles. Usernames can't start with " to avoid confusion with websites. A confetti animation will confirm a successful username creation. Once live, your username will appear in chats and groups in place of your phone number — especially when people don't already have your number saved. This could be particularly useful for engaging in public groups or interacting with businesses and communities. WhatsApp plans to treat username updates the same way it handles profile photo or number changes — by notifying others in a system message within chats. This ensures transparency and helps contacts keep up with changes. Another neat addition: the web version of WhatsApp will eventually include a tool to check username availability before you commit to one. When will it launch? As of now, there's no official release date. But the fact that development strings are already showing up in recent beta builds is a strong indicator that the feature could be coming soon — part of a string of recent updates including the long-awaited release of WhatsApp's iPad app. With usernames, WhatsApp is taking a clear step toward more private and flexible communication, while catching up with its competitors in the modern messaging space.