With our impending release of Marlboro vintage patch caps coming this month, and having already made a number of Marlboro hats previously, we thought it was time to take a look at the history of Marlboro and Formula 1 Racing.
Whether, like us, you’re an avid F1 fan, or you simply miss bold tobacco advertising, read on for some delightful information into one of the most striking brands that history has provided us.
Marlboro was a team sponsor for:
McLaren from 1974 – 1996
Ferrari from 1973 to present (with Mission Winnow)
BRM from 1972 – 1974
Dallara from 1989 – 1992
Footwork in 1994
Iso-Marlboro from 1973 – 1974
They also sponsored four different Grand Prix races from 1979 – 2005
Marlboro and McLaren
Possibly one of the most iconic racing liveries ever created.
Marlboro has a deep history with Formula One and racing in general, although the most iconic has to be when they sponsored McLaren from 1974 to 1996, which included the reign of one of the best F1 drivers in history: Ayrton Senna.
The bold Marlboro logo across the front nose and engine cover, as well as across the rear wing evokes a strong emotional response. The striking white and red lines demanded attention whether the racecar was flying down the track or sitting still for a photo.
These liveries not only reflected the spirit of competition but also became an enduring symbol of an era in Formula 1 racing that continues to captivate enthusiasts to this day.
British Racing Motors
BRM or British Racing Motors has a storied past in Formula One. They competed from 1955 to 1977 racing in 197 Grand Prix and winning 17, also winning the Constructors championship in 1962 with Graham Hill winning the WDC.
Arguably one of their most iconic liveries was from their 1972 car where they had a one year major title sponsorship with Marlboro.
Dallara and Scuderia Italia
Dallara has been in F1 since the 80’s and still works with Haas F1 team today and Formula E cars.
The Dallara F191 and F192 were racecars driven by BMS Scuderia Italia, and had a major sponsor of Marlboro.
Although not quite as iconic as other cars in this list, the Marlboro logo is still loud and proud, and the livery is very reminiscent of other cars with the bold Italian red colours.
Iso-Marlboro
Frank Williams was one of the biggest names in F1 History so it makes sense that Marlboro and him collided at some point. In 1972 after Motul and Politoys withdrew backing from his team, he managed to secure Marlboro as a sponsor and built multiple chassis with little success, but lots of flair.
Marlboro, Ferrari and Mission Winnow
You can’t discuss F1 racing without touching on Ferrari.
Marlboro has been a major sponsor for Ferrari Racing for over 50 years. While the McLaren livery felt positively drenched in Marlboro, the Ferrari colours work well within their brand space as well.
The strong Italian red colour is synonymous with speed, power, and champions. The bold fusion of Ferrari Red and Marlboro’s iconic branding creates a visual masterpiece that will not soon be forgotten. The white and red swooshes of the Marlboro logo perfectly complemented Ferrari’s red base, enhancing the car’s aerodynamic lines and evoking a sense of speed even when stationary.
After tobacco advertising was banned in F1, Marlboro remained as a title sponsor for Ferrari F1, and while officially there is no connection between Mission Winnow and Marlboro, I think it’s pretty clear what the letterform M their logo creates reminds us of.
The Future of Marlboro
We likely won’t be seeing the iconic Marlboro logo on racing cars anytime soon, but we can find ways to pay tribute to the connection. Luckily we are preserving history by offering up authentic vintage Marlboro patches for you to wear.
While evolving regulations have altered the direct representation of tobacco branding, the legacy of Marlboro’s presence in Formula 1 remains a testament to the fusion of high-speed competition and enduring branding in the world of motorsports.
Look for these 6 caps to launch on Lost & Foundry’s webstore on August 17th at 8PM EST
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