Ferrari’s title sponsor has announced the move to a bright green logo, which came as a surprise when it appeared on the team’s car yesterday.
Mission Winnow, an initiative of tobacco producer Philip Morris International, has been part of Ferrari’s livery since the 2018 Japanese Grand Prix. It has previously appeared in white and black colors.
When Ferrari launched its new SF21 yesterday, a large Mission Winnow logo appeared on the car’s engine cover in a new light green shade. The significant deviation from Ferrari’s previous livery has been commented on in detail.
Philip Morris International spokesman Tommaso Di Giovanni said this anticipated response was part of the reason for the change.
“Mission Winnow has always experimented with its visual identity from the start,” he said. “Similar to a green screen for films, the green arrow represents the possibility and opens up the possibility of imagining new horizons.
“Regardless of opinions about the color, that’s exactly what Mission Winnow is supposed to do to spark debate and create dialogue. We have consistently encouraged people to put aside their prejudices about our company and open their minds to the transformation we are going through.
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“In a broader sense, Mission Winnow focuses on funding [and] Driving positive change, fostering engagement and opening conversations about the role science, technology and innovation can play in addressing a range of societal challenges – now and in the future. “
The presence of logos associated with tobacco manufacturers on Formula 1 vehicles has sparked criticism. Italian consumer rights group Codacons, which last year called for the confiscation of Ferrari’s cars for promoting Mission Winnow, said today the team “could and should have avoided” further associating with the brand.
“We strongly deny Ferrari’s decision to revert to a sponsor directly related to tobacco, despite legal bans and the serious health effects of smoking on human health,” the organization added in a statement.
It remains to be seen whether the branding will appear on the car during a Grand Prix. Last year Ferrari didn’t put Mission Winnow logos on a race weekend – they only appeared during testing.
McLaren’s cars also carry the branding of a tobacco producer, British American Tobacco, who has sponsored the team since 2019.
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