The world of Formula 1 has long been a high-octane stage for innovation, speed, and global branding. In 2022, this legacy took a bold leap into the digital future as blockchain and cryptocurrency partnerships surged across the grid. With eight out of ten teams securing official crypto or blockchain sponsors, the fusion of motorsport and Web3 technology became one of the most defining trends of the season.
From NFT fan experiences to blockchain-powered engagement platforms, F1 teams leveraged these partnerships to deepen connections with a tech-savvy global audience. This article explores each team’s crypto collaboration, highlighting key players, deal timelines, and the strategic vision behind these alliances.
The Rise of Crypto in Formula 1
The integration of cryptocurrency and blockchain into mainstream sports is no longer speculative—it’s a reality. While the broader crypto market faced volatility in 2022, the momentum in sports partnerships, particularly in Formula 1, remained strong. These deals reflect more than financial investment; they represent a shared ethos of innovation, disruption, and digital transformation.
Core keywords driving this trend include Formula 1, crypto sponsors, blockchain technology, NFTs, cryptocurrency exchange, fan engagement, Web3, and digital innovation. These terms not only define the partnerships but also align with growing user search intent around tech-driven sports collaborations.
👉 Discover how top-tier racing teams are accelerating into the digital economy.
F1 Teams and Their Crypto Partners
Ferrari – Partnering with Velas
Sponsor: Velas
Deal Announced: December 27, 2021
Sector: Blockchain Technology
Ferrari, synonymous with performance and innovation, aligned with Velas, a high-speed blockchain platform focused on scalability and sustainability. The partnership emphasizes shared values of technological advancement and operational excellence.
“We are pleased to start this collaboration with Velas Network AG, a company that makes innovation and performance the hallmark of technologically advanced products and services.”
— Mattia Binotto, Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal
This alliance aims to explore blockchain applications in fan interaction, data security, and digital asset management.
Red Bull Racing – Powered by Bybit
Sponsor: Bybit
Deal Announced: February 16, 2022
Sector: Cryptocurrency Exchange
Red Bull Racing’s partnership with Bybit underscores a mutual drive for technological edge and fan-centric innovation. Bybit’s branding appears prominently on the team’s racewear and garage equipment.
“Bybit’s commitment to enlivening the fan experience in F1 through digital innovation is also a key mission for the Team.”
— Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal
The collaboration includes co-developed digital experiences, including exclusive NFT drops and interactive fan platforms.
👉 See how real-time data and crypto innovation are shaping the future of racing.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas – FTX and Beyond
Sponsor: FTX
Deal Announced: September 23, 2021
Sector: Cryptocurrency Exchange
Mercedes joined forces with FTX to enhance fan engagement through digital experiences and educational content around crypto adoption. Though FTX later faced regulatory challenges, the initial partnership was a landmark in F1’s digital evolution.
“Their innovative spirit and creative energy make them a well-matched partner in our relentless pursuit of performance.”
— Toto Wolff, Team Principal
Bonus Insight: Mercedes is also a founding member of the Aura Blockchain Consortium, alongside luxury giants like LVMH and Prada, focusing on NFTs and digital provenance in high-end markets.
McLaren Racing – Dual Power with Tezos and OKX
Sponsors: Tezos (June 17, 2021), OKX (May 3, 2022)
Sectors: Blockchain Tech & Cryptocurrency Exchange
McLaren stands out with two major Web3 partnerships. With Tezos, the team launched a fan-focused NFT platform featuring collectibles from its F1, INDYCAR, and esports divisions.
With OKX, one of the largest crypto exchanges by trading volume, McLaren elevated its digital strategy ahead of the inaugural Miami Grand Prix.
“This partnership will take our fan experience to all new levels.”
— Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO
These collaborations highlight McLaren’s proactive approach to digital transformation and global audience expansion.
Alfa Romeo – Floki Involvement
Sponsor: Floki
Deal Announced: February 24, 2022
Sector: Cryptocurrency
Named after Elon Musk’s Shiba Inu dog, Floki represents a community-driven crypto project. Its partnership with Alfa Romeo targets youth engagement and decentralized finance (DeFi) awareness.
“Crypto and decentralised finance represent a huge potential area to grow business.”
— Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal
The deal includes branding on driver suits and co-branded marketing campaigns aimed at crypto-native audiences.
Alpine – Binance Onboard
Sponsor: Binance
Deal Announced: February 15, 2022
Sector: Cryptocurrency Exchange
Alpine’s collaboration with Binance introduced the $ALPINE fan token, allowing fans to vote on team decisions and access exclusive content. The token launched on Binance’s platform and trades actively.
“This journey starts with the ALPINE token launch and a special collection of NFTs.”
— Laurent Rossi, CEO
This move positions Alpine at the forefront of fan empowerment through blockchain.
AlphaTauri – Fantom Foundation
Sponsor: Fantom
Deal Announced: May 14, 2021
Sector: Blockchain Technology
AlphaTauri partnered with Fantom, a fast, scalable blockchain using DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) technology. The collaboration supports sustainable innovation in digital infrastructure.
“Fantom shares with us a constant hunger for success.”
— Franz Tost, Team Principal
The partnership includes joint R&D initiatives and fan engagement experiments using decentralized apps (dApps).
Aston Martin – Crypto.com Era
Sponsor: Crypto.com
Deal Announced: March 2, 2021
Sector: Cryptocurrency Exchange
One of the earliest F1-crypto deals, Aston Martin’s tie-up with Crypto.com brought significant visibility to both brands. The exchange’s logo features on car liveries and driver helmets.
“This partnership will bring a fresh perspective to both our businesses.”
— Lawrence Stroll, Team Chairman
The alliance focuses on expanding digital access and promoting crypto literacy among motorsport fans.
Teams Without Crypto Sponsors in 2022
Despite the widespread trend, two teams did not have crypto partnerships in 2022:
- Haas F1 Team
- Williams Racing
While both teams maintained strong commercial portfolios, they opted to stay outside the crypto space during this period—possibly due to market uncertainty or strategic brand alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are so many F1 teams partnering with crypto companies?
A: Crypto brands seek global visibility and credibility. F1 offers a high-profile platform with an international audience, making it ideal for launching blockchain initiatives and engaging tech-savvy fans.
Q: What benefits do fans get from these partnerships?
A: Fans gain access to exclusive NFTs, fan tokens for voting rights, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive digital experiences powered by blockchain technology.
Q: Are these partnerships affected by crypto market crashes?
A: While market downturns have impacted some sponsors (e.g., FTX), many teams continue collaborations by focusing on long-term tech integration rather than short-term token performance.
Q: How do blockchain and NFTs enhance F1 experiences?
A: They enable verifiable ownership of digital collectibles, secure ticketing systems, decentralized fan communities, and new revenue models for teams.
Q: Is Web3 adoption in F1 sustainable beyond 2022?
A: Yes. Despite market fluctuations, the underlying technology—blockchain for security, transparency, and engagement—remains relevant. Teams are investing in infrastructure that outlasts hype cycles.
Q: Can fans use cryptocurrency to buy tickets or merchandise?
A: Some teams and partners are piloting crypto payment options, though widespread adoption depends on regulatory clarity and user demand.
👉 Explore how blockchain is transforming sports fandom beyond the racetrack.
Final Thoughts
The 2022 Formula 1 season marked a pivotal moment in the sport’s digital evolution. With most teams embracing crypto and blockchain partners, the grid became a proving ground for Web3 innovation. These collaborations go beyond branding—they signal a shift toward decentralized fan economies, immersive digital experiences, and long-term technological integration.
As the lines between physical and digital fandom blur, teams that invest in meaningful Web3 strategies today are positioning themselves as leaders of tomorrow’s sports landscape.