Today the British government has dropped it's ...

Published on 05 November 1997 by Verstappen Info Page

Today the British government has dropped it's plans to ban tobacco sponsorship in Formula 1 Grand Prix racing. They did this because of it's "unique position" as an international sport heavily dependent on cigarette money. On the same day Max Mosley of the FIA has pledged for a reduction in tobacco advertising in Formula 1. He said: "If the position of the British Government is adopted by the European Union, the FIA is ready to introduce regulations which will reduce the visibility of tobacco sponsorship in Formula One on a worldwide basis."

Mosley warned that a European ban on tobacco advertising might force the sport to abandon Europe for Asia and Eastern Europe where governments are willing to make an exception for Formula One and drop any restrictions on tobacco advertising. He said the FIA was willing to assist in reducing tobacco's profile at Grand Prix races by banning tobacco adverts on drivers' helmets and overalls. Formula One gets about $160 Million a year from the tobacco industry.