PepsiCo announces global partnership with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
Partnership connects Gatorade and other brands with FIA World Constructors' Champions

PepsiCo, Purchase, N.Y., announced a global partnership with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team beginning in 2026, bringing together three of its powerhouse brands — Gatorade, Sting, and Doritos — with the Formula 1 team.
This multi-year partnership builds on PepsiCo's existing Formula 1 relationship and marks the first time that three category-leading PepsiCo brands will partner with an F1 team. Building on Formula 1’s growth trajectory and expanding fanbase, this partnership positions PepsiCo at the heart of the sport’s global momentum through comprehensive integration across Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s operations, from pioneering hydration programs to immersive fan experiences, the company says.
Gatorade brings its 60-year heritage and the expertise of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) to the paddock for the first time. Gatorade’s expertise in hydration science and performance solutions will be integrated into Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team performance programs. This program implements a fully customized performance hydration strategy — giving the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team a performance edge, company says.
The partnership also will leverage Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who represent two generations of racing excellence. Russell, established as one of F1’s premier talents, brings proven performance and an authentic connection to fans worldwide, it notes. Meanwhile, Antonelli, who made headlines with his rapid rise through the ranks to F1, embodies the sport’s future and next generation of talent, it says.
Through the partnership, consumers will see both drivers participate in fan engagement initiatives that showcase the collective strengths of Gatorade, Doritos and Sting — from behind-the-scenes content to fan-focused activations.
Sting, as the No. 1 energy drink in markets including India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Egypt, brings its explosive growth story to the paddock, the company says. With market-leading positions across emerging markets, Sting’s trajectory mirrors both F1’s and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s expansion in these high-growth regions, it adds.
Doritos joins the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to elevate the fan experience with a shared belief in boldness, according to the company. As one of the world’s boldest snack brands, Doritos will ignite race weekends with high-impact, flavor-forward experiences inspired by the intensity and precision of F1, it says. Through global activation rights, Doritos will bring its signature edge to fans everywhere, capturing the speed, tension, and excitement of Grand Prix weekends and bringing the thrill of the track into the snacking world, it adds.
“This partnership unites performance, energy, and flavor under one banner — connecting three of PepsiCo's most iconic brands with the world's most successful Formula 1 team,” said Eugene Willemsen, CEO of International Beverages at PepsiCo, in a statement. “Through Gatorade, Sting and Doritos, we're inside the culture of the sport, fueling both the athletes and the fans who live for the thrill of F1. Partnering with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team reflects our shared commitment to performance, innovation, and excellence - values that define both our organizations.”
Toto Wolff, team principal and CEO for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, added: “Welcoming a company with a portfolio as strong as PepsiCo’s into our partner ecosystem is another sign of the strength of our team and our sport. As a brand, they align perfectly with our ethos of chasing ultimate performance through innovation and excellence. Gatorade’s expertise in sports science, Sting’s youthful energy, and Doritos’ cultural relevance each bring something unique. Together, they create a partnership that not only supports our team's performance but also enhances the experience for our fans around the world.”
Richard Sanders, chief commercial officer for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, stated: “We’re delighted to welcome PepsiCo to the team. Their expertise in this sector will help us deliver great experiences for our guests and fans at the track and beyond. It's a partnership that adds real value to how we operate day-to-day and how we connect with people around the world.”
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