Online poker giant PokerStars and Formula One racing team Red Bull Racing have sealed a new global partnership, the F1 brand announced on Friday. The exclusive partnership will see the online gambling and entertainment brand join Red Bull Racing ahead of the 2022 Formula One season.
“Following last year’s blockbuster Formula One season, I am delighted to kick off 2022 by announcing PokerStars as a new partner,” said Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO, Christian Horner. “In our sport we see constant evolution, not only applied to the cars but also to new technologies that are focused on reaching the sport’s global fanbase to provide new and interactive experiences for them to enjoy.”
The multi-year partnership, which features branding on the RB18 and race suits, is aimed at F1’s growing audience, as increasing technological advancement helps to service and provide fans “with new and unique ways to enjoy the sport,” according to a press statement.
The newly-announced relationship is set to enable both Red Bull Racing and PokerStar “to reach audiences who share similar passions and interests” while rewarding and engaging existing fans and players in new and unique ways with F1-fuelled entertainment, the racing team explains.
Additionally, the deal is meant to provide fans with “epic experiences, promotions, competitions, and content.” Red Bull Racing states the partnership “will come to life” across PokerStars’ full offering of PokerStars Casino, PokerStars and PokerStars Sports products.
NEW: PokerStars and Red Bull Racing seal global partnershiphttps://t.co/noQSrCSKfZ
— PokerStars Blog (@PokerStarsBlog) January 21, 2022
“Red Bull Racing is an ideal fit for PokerStars because it’s not just about what you offer fans and players but the ethos and vision behind how you offer it,” said Flutter International’s Chief Executive Officer, Dan Taylor. “Part of our vision for PokerStars is to create the world’s most epic casino, built on player experiences, giving our community moments they’ll never forget.”
PokerStars describes itself as finding pride in providing its community around the world with “best-in-class entertainment” with poker, casino, and sports betting, whilst ensuring safe and responsible play. Red Bull Racing claims it shares these values.
“Red Bull Racing’s phenomenal success is built on their bold, innovative, and passionate ethos, which has led to incredible success both on the track and in becoming one of the world’s most popular sports brands,” Taylor described the F1 team. “We’re looking forward to working with the Team and sharing further developments as the 2022 season approaches. We wish the Red Bull Racing team all the best for their new campaign.”
“We are pleased to welcome PokerStars to the Team as F1 enjoys a period of growth in new and existing territories and look forward to getting the 2022 season underway together,” concluded Christian Horner.
This partnership helps PokerStars further build a presence in motorsports, following an announcement last year that the brand became Formula One’s official sports betting sponsor. This was the result of a deal struck between PokerStars and Interregional Sports Group (ISG), the racing series’ sponsorship and data rights partner.
The deal sees the Flutter brand feature exclusively across Formula One broadcasts until 2023. It expands the global racing series’ portfolio of betting and gaming sponsors, building on F1’s agreement with 188Bet in March 2020.
