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Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 11, 2021 Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. in action during qualifying REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 11, 2021 Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. in action during qualifying REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
The Philip Morris International-led anti-tobacco campaign, Mission Winnow, finally called off their brief yet controversial term with Scuderia Ferrari in F1. And guess who will be replacing the Swiss giants? It’s none other than Santander, one of the most famous title partners of the Scuderia outfit.
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Santander will be stepping into the world of F1 next season, making it their first such appearance in four years. Indeed, there is already an element of excitement sneaking its way into the Tifosi amidst the forthcoming change. Many are already looking forward to the return of White onto Ferrari’s livery.
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MONTMELO, SPAIN – MAY 12: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Ferrari celebrates on the podium after winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya on May 12, 2013 in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
But, that’s not the only major positive out of Santander’s return. Apart from the looks, the Spanish financial services company will also be bringing potentially mouth-watering funds into the team.
The exact numbers remain hazy as of now and are likely to remain the same for years to come. But, their previous deal with Ferrari was absolutely humongous.
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Santander’s return a huge positive for Ferrari?
Certainly! Ferrari will be looking forward to this new journey with the world-famous company. And as mentioned earlier, the amount of money Santander is likely to offer Ferrari is going to be staggering. Why you might ask?
Well, here’s how much Santander offered Ferrari as a part of the deal over their previous partnership in Formula 1. According to Forbes, Ferrari gained an annual total of $50 million from Santander during their tenure in the 2010s.
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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and France during the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Peter J Fox/Getty Images)
At the same time, PMI was sponsoring the Reds for $100 million, but the numbers did eventually plummet to around $50 million. Overall, it was undeniably a successful partnership for Santander with Ferrari, and the on-track results say it all.
Yes, the Italian giants failed to win a championship title during that period, but they did manage to come awfully close to winning some. We can’t blame them either, considering how solid Red Bull were at that time. Then arrived the even more powerful Mercedes, leaving the Reds with pretty much no chance of beating them.
So, will the fortunes finally change over the forthcoming season? Will Santander prove to be a lucky charm and help Ferrari end their title drought? Only time will tell.
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