Formula 1’s marketing scene is about to get a major shake-up — and a tasty one at that. Red Bull Racing has announced an exclusive partnership with McDonald’s ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, marking the fast-food giant’s first major sponsorship appearance in F1.
The collaboration blends two global powerhouses — one representing high-octane racing, the other a worldwide symbol of speed, service, and familiarity. The partnership, which will run for eight weeks, reaches its peak at São Paulo’s Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos), one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar.
Image credit: Red Bull Racing
What the Red Bull x McDonald’s Partnership Involves
Branding on the Cars
For the first time, McDonald’s golden arches will appear on the Red Bull RB21 cars driven by Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. The logo will feature prominently on the Halo, engine cover, and other key sections of the car, giving McDonald’s massive visibility on one of the world’s most-watched sporting weekends.
This is more than a simple sponsorship patch — it’s part of a broader marketing rollout designed to connect the energy and performance of F1 with McDonald’s emphasis on speed and accessibility.
The São Paulo Drive-Through Pit Stop Experience
Perhaps the most eye-catching element of the partnership is McDonald’s “Drive-Through Pit Stop” activation in São Paulo.
A McDonald’s restaurant near the Interlagos circuit has been temporarily transformed into a Red Bull-themed pit stop experience, complete with race-style lighting, garage visuals, and uniformed “crew” serving customers as if they were part of a live Formula 1 pit team.
Fans can order their food via a custom pit-lane window, watch timed “service stops,” and even snap selfies alongside replica Red Bull wheels, helmets, and tyres. The restaurant will play team radio snippets, simulate engine sounds, and feature limited-edition Red Bull energy drink-themed menu items throughout the race week.
It’s an experiential marketing masterstroke — one that perfectly ties together McDonald’s fast-service ethos and Red Bull’s identity as the fastest team in Formula 1.
Fan and Retail Engagement
In addition to the São Paulo activation, McDonald’s franchises across Brazil will host race-themed events during the week of the Grand Prix.
Customers can expect:
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Red Bull-branded packaging on select McDonald’s menu items.
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Exclusive giveaways like mini race helmets, team merchandise, and discount vouchers.
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Collaborative digital content through McDonald’s Brazil social media channels and Red Bull’s global platforms.
Meanwhile, Red Bull will integrate McDonald’s into their digital storytelling — from YouTube shorts to behind-the-scenes clips of pit crews visiting McDonald’s locations before the race.
A Taste of What’s to Come
The eight-week deal extends beyond just Brazil. Red Bull and McDonald’s are expected to collaborate on a limited series of promotional content over the next two months, culminating in the São Paulo race and a global digital campaign that celebrates “speed, precision, and performance.”
The partnership could pave the way for a longer-term agreement, depending on fan response and brand synergy metrics.
Why the Partnership Makes Sense
A Natural Fit Between Two Global Icons
At first glance, fast food and Formula 1 might seem worlds apart. But both Red Bull and McDonald’s share a focus on energy, speed, and reach. Red Bull has built its brand on adrenaline-fuelled competition and youth culture, while McDonald’s commands an unrivalled global audience.
This collaboration allows both companies to cross-pollinate audiences: Red Bull gains new mainstream exposure through McDonald’s millions of daily customers, while McDonald’s taps into the glamour, technology, and performance narrative of Formula 1.
Timing and Location: Why Brazil?
The Brazilian Grand Prix is a natural choice for this campaign’s climax. Brazil has a rich Formula 1 heritage, passionate fans, and a vibrant street-culture energy that aligns perfectly with both brands. The atmosphere around Interlagos is always electric, and McDonald’s sees it as the ideal backdrop for its first major F1 activation.
The São Paulo Drive-Through Pit Stop will operate throughout the race week, allowing locals and travelling fans to experience F1 culture up close. Expect long queues — and not just for Big Macs.
Shifting F1’s Sponsorship Landscape
McDonald’s entry into Formula 1 marks another step in the sport’s commercial evolution. Once dominated by automotive, luxury, and tech sponsors, the grid is now attracting mainstream consumer brands — from fashion labels to global food giants.
This trend underscores Formula 1’s widening global reach, particularly among younger and more diverse audiences, thanks to digital platforms and the sport’s renewed entertainment focus.
What to Watch Out for at Brazil
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Car Livery: Expect plenty of on-track buzz around the golden arches on Verstappen’s and Tsunoda’s cars.
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Fan Reactions: How the motorsport community embraces a mainstream brand like McDonald’s will be telling for future partnerships.
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The São Paulo Drive-Through: Expect social media clips and viral content from fans visiting the transformed restaurant.
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Future Collaborations: If the campaign succeeds, don’t be surprised to see McDonald’s appear at other major races or even extend into Red Bull’s 2026 branding strategy.
Final Thoughts
Formula 1 continues to expand its commercial palette, and the Red Bull x McDonald’s partnership is proof that creativity can coexist with competition. For McDonald’s, it’s a daring debut into motorsport; for Red Bull, it’s another example of pushing beyond traditional sponsorships to deliver entertainment that engages fans both on and off the track.
Whether you’re grabbing a burger at the São Paulo Drive-Through Pit Stop or watching the race from home, one thing’s certain: the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix will be served hot, fast, and with a side of golden arches.
