AlphaTauri flexes independence; signs Orlen as title sponsor

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AlphaTauri is taking a big step towards independence with the announcement of Orlen as its principal partner. The AlphaTauri Formula One team has signed a multi-year partnership with the Polish oil refiner.

The company's logo will prominently display across the car, including the rear wing and the driver apparel. This isn't the first time AlphaTauri has partnered with an oil and gas company, with Spanish brand Cepsa sponsoring the team when it was called Toro Rosso between 2012 and 2015.

The move is likely to be welcomed by Robert Kubica, who Orlen has sponsored since his return to Formula One in 2019. The brand was also the title sponsor at Alfa Romeo for the past three seasons, where Kubica was the reserve driver.

Commenting on the news, Franz Tost, team principal of AlphaTauri, said: “Orlen [is] one of the leading oil and gas companies in Central Europe, and this partnership will allow them to further increase brand awareness through the global platforms we offer as a team. I’m looking forward to seeing [its] logo featured on our new car at the launch in New York City next month and how this partnership progresses over the coming years.”

This is a significant milestone for AlphaTauri, marking the first time a non-Red Bull brand has been featured on the car's rear wing. The partnership with Orlen signifies that the Faenza-based team is striving towards becoming a truly independent outfit.

The Qualifier is a weekly newsletter that breaks down the business, money, and culture of Formula 1. Subscribers include investors, decision-makers, and casual fans. So if you are not a subscriber, sign up and join 40,000+ others who receive it directly in their inbox each week — it’s free.