Rumor: Qatar Airways to replace Emirates as official F1 Airline (Now Fact!) (2nd Update)

It has now been revealed that this deal if for 5-years.

To mark the partnership, Discover Qatar, the Destination Management Company of Qatar Airways, have begun offering tickets to the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023. Discover Qatar have launched a range of hotel and ticket-inclusive packages for their global retail partners, which include Grandstand and Paddock Club tickets. All packages include a free entry pass to the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar taking place in Doha from October 5-14.

As part of its alliance with Formula 1, Qatar Airways Holidays will also offer a limited number of all-inclusive travel packages for global fans to travel to races around the world and take part in exclusive experiences such as pit lane walks, guided track tours and access to special events with appearances by F1 drivers. The Ultimate F1 Experience packages include return flights with Qatar Airways, premium hotel options, race tickets and additional experiences.

“We are two brands committed to delivering the best experiences to our fans and customers, and our combined global reach makes for a perfect match,” said Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1.

This rumor from last November is now upgraded to ‘fact’ today.

Qatar Airways will become the main airline sponsor of Formula One motor racing, the carrier said on Wednesday, replacing regional rival Emirates as the organization’s official airline.

The sponsorship announcement comes ahead of the 2023 season, which kicks off next month and will also see Qatar begin a 10-year run as host of a Grand Prix, to be held in October.

The state-owned carrier will become title sponsor of that race — now known as the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix — along with Grands Prix in Hungary and Emilia Romagna in Italy.

F1 Press Release

Formula 1 and Qatar Airways have today announced a multi-year partnership that will see the recently voted Airline of the Year become Formula 1’s Global Airline Partner – and sponsor three Grands Prix in 2023.

The partnership, which was announced today at a Motorsport Festival in Doha, will see the airline take the title sponsorship of three races this season: the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix – which will return to the F1 calendar this year on October 6-8 – as well as the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Gran Premio del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna on May 19-21, and the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Hungarian Grand Prix on July 21-23.

The deal also includes trackside and digital branding inventory that will be showcased to F1’s global audience.

As part of the partnership, Qatar Airways will offer fans the chance to buy a limited number of travel packages to select Grands Prix so they can witness the entertainment and spectacle of Formula 1. For these races, including the returning Qatar Grand Prix, fans will be able to purchase return flights to a Grand Prix destination and race tickets in one package.

Both Qatar Airways and F1 are committed to working together to reduce the environmental impact of their respective industries through responsible practices.

Formula 1 is pioneering the use of advanced sustainable fuels as part of its Net Zero 2030 commitment, while Qatar Airways is committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

As part of the new partnership, both entities aim to collaborate on sustainability-focused initiatives to reduce emissions and strive for a greener future.

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said: “As the pinnacle of motorsport, it makes sense for Formula 1 to partner with a global leader in aviation like Qatar Airways. We are two brands committed to delivering the best experience to our fans and customers, and our combined reach globally makes this a perfect match.

“We also share a passion for technology and innovation, particularly as we all work together for a greener future. We are delighted to welcome Qatar Airways as our Global Airline Partner.”

His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: “The best partnerships thrive because of mutual values. Both Qatar Airways and Formula 1 share passion for innovation, precision, and luxury. As a brand, we believe in the power of sports to unite people, therefore we have been selective with picking the most thrilling sporting events and sponsoring a variety of new and prominent sporting initiatives.

“With 23 stops on the 2023 circuit, F1 is a global sport, requiring a Global Airline Partner that offers extensive global connectivity. Hence, Qatar Airways demonstrates the perfect companion for one of the most sought-after motorsports worldwide.”

Sponsorship renewal talks between Formula 1 and Dubai-based Emirates reportedly broke down to the point that a new airline sponsor is being sought and rumor has it that Qatar Airways are interested.

Qatar Airways already sponsors Formula E and the Qatar F1 race.

Sports Business report on their website that “F1 is lining up a new airline sponsor after renewal discussions with Dubai-based carrier Emirates broke down over the asking price.”

“The deadline for the global airline to extend the agreement has passed and negotiations have ground to a halt, with F1 understood to be asking for around twice the figure of close to $25-million per year that the brand is understood to paying in the current cycle from 2018 to 2022,” concludes the brief report.

“F1’s global appeal also provides us with an opportunity to share in the passion of the millions of fans who follow the sport, many of whom are our customers,” added Antinori.

Since then, F1 has boomed massively with an influx of new sponsors keen to cash in on the Netflix, Drive to Survive, inspired rush of interest and exposure, particularly in North America, a traditionally dormant but massive market for the sport.

Hence, no surprise old longstanding deals will go by the wayside as F1, under Liberty Media, also cashes in as all shareholders expect their businesses to do.