Key Points
- Source: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids official statement
- Speaker: Yolonda C. Richardson, President & CEO
- Target: Philip Morris International (PMI)
- Issue: Zyn nicotine pouch branding on Ferrari Formula 1 cars
- Main message: PMI’s sponsorship markets to youth and must be stopped
2Firsts, December 12, 2025 – According to a statement from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, President and CEO Yolonda C. Richardson condemned Philip Morris International (PMI) for partnering with Ferrari to feature Zyn nicotine pouch branding on Formula 1 race cars, saying it directly contradicts PMI’s claims that it does not market to youth.
Richardson said PMI’s justification that the sponsorship targets adults is “laughable,” noting that Formula 1 has heavily expanded its youth audience. The 2025 Global Fan Survey described Gen Z as “shaping the rhythm of modern fandom,” while F1 has partnered with Disney, Lego, and Hot Wheels to appeal to younger fans. Reports indicate over 4 million children aged 8–12 now actively follow F1 in the EU and U.S.
She argued that PMI is fully aware of this demographic shift and that displaying Zyn logos during races exposes millions of young viewers to nicotine marketing that glamorizes addiction. Richardson compared the campaign to historic tobacco sponsorships that helped make Marlboro the world’s most popular cigarette brand. She urged F1 and its partners to end the sponsorship and called on governments to prevent tobacco companies from addicting another generation.
Image source: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
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