PokerStars fires up multiyear partnership with Red Bull Racing

PokerStars has signed a multiyear exclusive sponsorship agreement with current Formula One Drivers’ Championship winning team Red Bull racing.

The deal, which includes branding across the RB18 racing car and race suits, includes integrations with PokerStars Casino, PokerStars and PokerStars Sports products.

It includes fan experiences, promotional activities, competition as well as Red Bull Racing-themed content across PokerStars sites.

“PokerStars prides itself on providing its community around the world with best-in-class entertainment with poker, casino, and sports betting whilst always ensuring safe and responsible play, values it shares with Red Bull Racing,” PokerStars’ parent company, Flutter, said.

Flutter International’s CEO, Dan Taylor, welcomed the deal as an “ideal fit” for both parties, lauding the potential opportunities for the sport’s increasing number of fans.

“Part of our vision for PokerStars is to create the world’s most epic casino, built on player experiences, giving our community moments they’ll never forget,” Taylor explained.

“Red Bull Racing’s phenomenal success is built on their bold, innovative, and passionate ethos, which has led to incredible success both on the track and in becoming one of the world’s most popular sports brands.

“We’re looking forward to working with the team and sharing further developments as the 2022 season approaches. We wish the Red Bull Racing team all the best for their new campaign,” he added.

Red Bull Racing is home to the current F1 world champion, with lead driver Max Verstappen pipping seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 title following a thrilling last-lap overtake at the Abu-Dhabi Grand Prix, the last race of the season.

However, Verstappen’s controversial victory in the race, and his subsequent maiden championship win are currently the subject of a challenge by Hamilton’s Mercedes team.

“We are pleased to welcome PokerStars to the Team as F1 enjoys a period of growth in new and existing territories and look forward to getting the 2022 season underway together,” Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner said.

PokerStars partnership with Red Bull Racing is the second major agreement between a gambling firm and an F1 team, with rival Entain-owned brands PartyCasino and partypoker agreeing a sponsorship deal with McLaren in May 2021.

PokerStars also serves as an official sports betting partner for Formula 1, having previously agreed a two-year deal with the premier motorsport series through to 2023.