Are you willing to sponsor?
Are you ready to explore the transformative power of athlete sponsorship for your brand? Click here to learn more about how sponsorship can help brands grow and thrive in the exciting world of motorsports.
By Riccardo Tafà| Posted May 5, 2023 | In Formula1, Sports Marketing
Saudi Arabian Oil Company, also known as Aramco, is a major sponsor of Formula 1. Aramco is one of the largest companies in the world by revenue and is the most profitable company globally. They primarily engage in the exploration, production, refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum and its derivatives.
Aramco’s involvement in Formula 1 began in 2020 when they signed a long-term global partnership deal with the racing series. It is rumored that the 10 years agreement is worth 45 Million Dollars per year. As a sponsor, Aramco aims to increase its brand visibility and recognition on the international stage. The deal includes Aramco branding on F1 circuits in several races, digital platforms, and race broadcasts. Additionally, the partnership was aimed at promoting sustainability and driving technological advancements in the motorsports industry.
This strategic partnership with Formula 1 marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to boost its global brand visibility and recognition. A key aspect of this collaboration is the commitment to advancing sustainable fuels and fuel-efficient engine technologies. Aramco, as a leading oil and gas company, has been working on developing advanced lubricants and high-performance sustainable fuels for transport technology.
The partnership aligns with Formula 1’s plans to become carbon neutral by 2030 and its focus on sustainability initiatives.
Aramco’s involvement in Formula 1 also coincides with the introduction of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which was added to the calendar in 2021.
It is a night race that takes place on the Jeddah Street Circuit and marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to diversify its economy.
The race is set to stimulate investment in infrastructure, tourism and job creation. It is going to engage local communities and to create economic growth in Saudi Arabia while expanding its entertainment and sports offerings under the Vision 2030 initiative and its goals of economic diversification and developement.
Aston Martin’s F1 team, known now as Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team, is another beneficiary of Aramco’s sponsorship investment. Under the long term sponsorship deal, signed in 2022, Aramco becomes the co-title partner and sponsor of the team, acquiring exclusive branding and sponsorship rights. The partnership also entails a licensing agreement, which enables the use of non-metallic materials developed by Aramco in the team’s F1 cars.
The specialized press report that the contracts contains an option for Aramco to own a 10% stake of the F1 Team.
Aramco’s initial placement offering (IPO) and its partnership with Formula 1 have been facilitated by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which holds a significant stake in the oil and gas company. This long-term partnership not only contributes to the growth of Formula 1 as a global sport but also helps Aramco diversify its business and strengthen its international presence.
Aramco’s sponsorship of Formula 1 and the Aston Martin team is a strategic move to enhance its global brand presence and showcase its commitment to sustainable fuels and advanced technologies, it extends beyond traditional sponsorship and branding opportunities. It opens doors for further collaboration in areas such as research and development, sustainability, and community engagement.
One potential area of collaboration could be the development of new materials and technologies for use in Formula 1 cars. Aramco’s expertise in material science and advanced lubricants can be applied to enhance the performance and efficiency of the cars, while also reducing their environmental impact. This collaboration could lead to breakthroughs not only in motorsports but also in the broader automotive and energy industries.
Another potential area of cooperation is in the field of education and workforce development. Aramco and Formula 1 could work together to create educational programs and initiatives that promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. By fostering the next generation of engineers, technicians, and researchers, the partnership can contribute to the development of skilled workforces in both the energy and motorsports sectors.
Moreover, the partnership can potentially expand into other regions, promoting motorsports and creating new opportunities for local talent. By supporting the development of local racing teams, talent scouting programs, and educational opportunities, Aramco and Formula 1 can foster a thriving motorsports ecosystem in the Middle East and beyond.
The partnerships between Aramco, Formula 1, and Aston Martin F1 are not limited to traditional sponsorship and branding activities. It opens up possibilities for collaboration in research and development, sustainability, education, and local economic growth. By exploring these opportunities, the partnership can contribute to the evolution of both the sport and the energy sector, while promoting sustainability and creating lasting benefits for the communities they serve.
Pictures from the Top Description Ferrari at the 2022 French Grand Prix Author nabtifal This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. Description Nr. 18 Stroll AuthorLukas Raich This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Are you ready to explore the transformative power of athlete sponsorship for your brand? Click here to learn more about how sponsorship can help brands grow and thrive in the exciting world of motorsports.
Managing Director for RTR Sports, Riccardo graduated in law at the University of Bologna. He began his career in London in PR, then started working in two and four-wheelers. A brief move to Monaco followed before returning to Italy. There he founded RTR, first a consulting firm and then a sports marketing company which, eventually, he moved back to London.
The online platform where you can discover the latest trends, strategies and insights from the exciting world of sports marketing.
View our blogApril 3, 2025
In Formula 1, the engine is not merely a component; it is the heart of the car, dictating performance, efficiency, and the competitive edge. The evolution of F1 engine specs reflects a r[...]
Read MoreMarch 20, 2025
Ground effect has long been a game-changing aerodynamic principle in Formula 1, dramatically altering how cars generate downforce and perform on the track. In this blog, we’ll explore t[...]
Read MoreMarch 19, 2025
The world of motorsport is undergoing a profound transformation; the FIA F2 and F3 categories no longer represent simple transitional stages to Formula 1, but true laboratories of excellence,[...]
Read MoreIn an era where it is possible to get anywhere with a click, there is a strong temptation to approach teams and properties directly for sponsorship projects.
By doing so, we are convinced that we are shortening the value chain, saving time and money. However, these DYI methods are anything but risk-free and what initially appears to be a competitive advantage soon turns into a problem that is difficult to resolve. That’s why there are agencies. And this is why you should rely on us for your sponsorships.
When first approaching a sponsorship or sports marketing project, it is difficult to know immediately which stakeholders are correct, what the decision flow is, and what the right timelines are for each process. Sports is a very specialized field of action, and fitting effectively into its paths can take a lot of time and therefore money. We, on the other hand, know referents and spheres of action and know who to talk to, when and how. So you are also more effective.
Sports is an immense passion, and for our heart colors we would be willing to do anything. But business is a different business, and it is important to make the best possible strategic decisions based on independent research, statistics and reliable data. A sports marketing and sports sponsorship agency like RTR has an objective, 360-degree picture of the scenario and can tell you what is really best for you: which sport, which athlete, which team. This is because we possess a great deal of data and information on ratings, segmentation and attitudes. Because the numbers don’t lie. Never.
Activations are the real heart of sports sponsorship. Without them, there remains only a blank sticker on a motorcycle, car or uniform and no contact with the public, no emotional connection, no impact on the bottom line. Then how do you do it? It certainly won’t be the teams or the athletes who will help you leverage sponsorship and enjoy the many marketing rights you have paid for. To bring out the best in a sports marketing project you need an agency that knows how to use sponsorship to engage the fanbase on the Web, to reach out to Shopping Centers, to organize hospitality, to develop B2B and B2C opportunities, and to get “your” athletes in front of millions of potential consumers.
Would you ever go to the dealer who sold you the car and ask if the competitor’s car is better? No, of course. So, how do you expect to get firm measurements of the effectiveness of your sponsorship if you do not rely on someone super partes? At RTR, we have always worked with independent third-party agencies that allow us to know the return on any exposure of your brand on TV and in the media. In addition, we believe in calculating ROI as the ultimate measure of your success-so we can tell you for every penny you spend how much you are making.
We have been involved in sports sponsorship and sports marketing for more than 15 years. We are consultants in the sense that our goal is to maximize your investment, but we are also an agency that manages the project from start to finish. We have been doing this since 1995 with passion and professionalism, following three principles that have become cornerstones of our business: independence, verticality and transparency.
I would like to highlight the fact that one of the qualities of RTR is its great ability to approach the sponsorship scenario strategically, together with its passionate attitude, its amazing enthusiasm for solving problems, and its high level of professionalism.
Gianluca Degliesposti
Executive Director Server&Storage EMEA
Eurosport is truly delighted with its business relationship with Riccardo Tafà, who has become extremely popular, thanks to his detailed knowledge of the sports marketing sector and his highly diligent attitude to work.
Francois Ribeiro
Commercial Director
Passion and Expertise are the features that I have found in RTR since the very beginning. Serious and reliable professionals but also very helpful, nice and open-mind people, willing to listen and compare different ideas. All the values in which RTR believes make this agency a partner, not just a supplier, a partner with whom we have had the opportunity to achieve significant commercial results in term of success and image.
Luca Pacitto
Head of Communication
We have been working with RTR Sports Marketing for over 10 years. The objectives and the programmes of collaboration continue to be renewed and to grow with mutual satisfaction. I believe RTR is a team of great professionals led by Riccardo Tafà, who I consider a manager of exceptional skills and with a great passion for his work.
Lucio Cecchinello
Team Principal
I have known and worked with Riccardo Tafà since 1995 when we collaborated for the first time on a project for the Williams Formula 1 team. Several clients followed. After leaving Williams to work for Gerhard Berger then owner of the Toro Rosso F1 Team, I turned again to Riccardo to seek his help in finding a tool supplier for the team and Riccardo duly obliged with an introduction to USAG, a partnership with Toro Rosso which endured for five years. I recently started a new role as Group Commercial Director for the renowned Andretti Autosport organisation and I find myself working with Riccardo once again on a number of interesting projects. Why has this relationship with Riccardo endured ? He’s smart, knows the commercial side of sport inside out and back to front and he’s honest and trustworthy. Riccardo Tafà is a “doer” not a “talker”: in over 20 years I have never had a dispute either with him or with a company that he has introduced and each partnership introduced by Riccardo has delivered quantifiable ROI to rights holder and sponsor alike. I can think of no better testimonial of Riccardo’s diligence, knowledge, contact base and hard work than that.
Jim Wright
Group Commercial Director
The online platform where you can discover the latest trends, strategies and insights from the exciting world of sports marketing.
View our blogApril 14, 2025
A natural marriage: technology and MotoGP MotoGP is not just about speed, borderline overtaking and adrenaline. It is also one of the most advanced technological platforms in the world. Every[...]
Read MoreApril 8, 2025
Sponsorship and endorsement are two marketing strategies designed to boost brand awareness and drive consumer engagement by leveraging different types of partnerships. While sponsorship build[...]
Read MoreApril 4, 2025
Amazon Prime Video is making a bold statement in the world of motorsport sponsorship by stepping in as the presenting sponsor for Kyle Larson’s unprecedented attempt to conquer two of a[...]
Read More