BAT Expands Formula 1 Sponsorship to Boost Vuse, Velo Brands

  • McLaren team to provide more promotional spots on cars
  • World Health Organization has urged clampdown on tobacco ads
Carlos Sainz drives the McLaren F1 Team MCL34 Renault in Sau Paulo on Nov. 16.Photographer: Charles Coates/Getty Images

British American Tobacco Plc is expanding its sponsorship of the McLaren Formula One team next year to boost marketing of cigarette alternatives as controversy rages over whether tobacco branding should be let back into the auto-racing circuit after a decade-long hiatus.

McLaren will provide more promotional spots on its cars next year and BAT will also be a partner for the team as it returns to full-time IndyCar competitions in the U.S., the company said Thursday.