Formula 1 announces multi-year partnership with Zoom following Virtual Paddock Club success

Formula 1® has today announced a new multi-year partnership with Zoom Video Communications, Inc. consisting of multiple activations across the upcoming 2021 FIA Formula One World Championshipand beyond. As part of the partnership Zoom will deliver comprehensive communications services and is working with Formula 1® to provide new business and hospitality opportunities through unique live-sport experiences during and beyond the ongoing pandemic. 

Both brands already collaborated in 2020 on the successful Virtual Paddock Club experience, which will continue this season as part of the new expanded partnership agreement kicking off with the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2021 on March 28.

Across 21 races this season, guests can join the Virtual Paddock Club through Zoom to experience a range of bespoke virtual hospitality offerings, including live updates and insight from legends of the paddock. In addition, and in compliance with respective local pandemic regulations, guests can also join the Virtual Paddock Club onsite at select individual races or use Zoom Rooms set up in the Paddock Club Business Lounges to conduct other business. F1® guests, global partners, and F1® teams can enjoy a seamless, exclusive experience – whether onsite or virtually.

Zoom also serves as the official unified communications platform of F1®, and will help the organization to achieve its sustainability goals moving forward, specifically contributing to the sport’s remote operations which will reduce its carbon emissions by using virtual meetings wherever possible.

Ben Pincus, Director of Commercial Partnerships, Formula 1®, said:

“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Zoom following our collaboration on the successful Virtual Paddock Club last year. Zoom will become the official unified communications platform of Formula 1, with its services expanding across the wider business. We are excited to continue our work with Zoom and to keep innovating together.”

Chris Roberts, Head of IT Infrastructure at Formula 1®, said:

“With 23 races around the world, Formula 1 relies on being able to work remotely. The last year, however, has challenged all of us and now we look forward to working with Zoom and their unified communications suite as the demands of the office workplace and workspace continue to evolve.”

Janine Pelosi, Zoom CMO, said:

“We are thrilled to continue and expand our collaboration with Formula 1 into a major multi-year partnership above and beyond past activities. While the 2020 season has shown that the Virtual Paddock Club offered an engaging VIP sports experience despite the limitations set by the global pandemic, this new season provides an opportunity for a seamless hybrid model including virtual and on-site activations where the situation allows – offering the best of both worlds for enterprises and their VIPs. We’re proud to partner with F1 and use our brand and technology to shape the future of sports events while also supporting organizations on their mission to become more sustainable.”