Formula 1 News: Red Bull’s $221 Billion Power-Up: McDonald’s
Red Bull Racing isn’t just chasing podiums—they’re cranking up the excitement off the track too. In a blockbuster move, the team has unveiled a high-octane partnership with global fast-food titan McDonald’s, making its Formula 1 debut and transforming the São Paulo Grand Prix into an unforgettable fan spectacle.
Golden Arches Meet Racing Bulls: A Match Made in Speed and Flavor
For the first time ever, McDonald’s legendary golden arches will blaze across Red Bull’s RB21 cars, adorning the machines of Verstappen and teammate Yuki Tsunoda during the November showdown. This eight-week alliance kicks off as the “first stage” of a broader collaboration, with the logo splashed prominently on the vehicles, team garage, and beyond.
Fans won’t just watch the action—they’ll live it. A McDonald’s outlet near Interlagos is getting a total makeover, its drive-thru reimagined as a hyper-realistic Red Bull pit stop, complete with racing vibes and lightning-fast service. Starting November 11, thrill-seekers can supercharge their meals by adding an energy drink to select McOffers—like the Big Mac, Quarterão com Queijo, Cheddar McMelt, Tasty Turbo, or McChicken—for a steal of a price.
Ilca Sierra, McDonald’s Brazil Marketing Director, couldn’t contain the excitement: “It is an honor to join Oracle Red Bull Racing and provide authentic moments that combine flavor and energy, both in restaurants and at the event in São Paulo.” The tie-up aligns perfectly with McDonald’s push to spice up its menu while delivering one-of-a-kind experiences that blend everyday indulgence with adrenaline-fueled racing.
To toast the union, Red Bull and McDonald’s whipped up a whimsical cartoon short, fusing the energy drink brand’s edgy aesthetic with the fast-food icon’s playful charm. It’s a creative nod to how these powerhouses are teaming up to connect with fans on a whole new level.
From Pérez’s Plate to the Paddock: The Backstory
Red Bull hailed the deal as “historic and unprecedented,” dropping the bombshell just ahead of the Mexico City GP. Come November in Brazil, it’ll mark McDonald’s inaugural on-car branding in F1 territory. Whispers from insiders trace the roots back to 2024, sparked by ex-Red Bull ace Sergio Pérez’s personal sponsorship with the chain. That individual link paved the way for this full-throttle brand mash-up, turning a driver’s side gig into a grid-shaking alliance.
With Verstappen gunning for glory and fans gearing up for flavor-packed festivities, the São Paulo GP promises to be more than a race—it’s a full-throttle celebration of speed, strategy, and a side of fries. Buckle up, Brazil: This one’s going to be deliciously fast.
Press Release
Oracle Red Bull Racing is thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking collaboration with global fast-food leader McDonald’s, marking the iconic brand’s debut in Formula 1. This “historic and unprecedented” eight-week partnership kicks off as the first stage of a broader alliance, bringing the famous golden arches to the RB21 cars of Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda for the São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos in November.
The McDonald’s logo will prominently feature on the Halo of both Red Bull machines, as well as in the team’s garage and surrounding activations. This short-term sponsorship builds on an existing relationship that traces back to 2024, when former Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez’s personal sponsorship with McDonald’s laid the foundation for this full-scale team integration.
In a first for F1, fans can expect immersive experiences blending speed and flavor. Starting November 11, a McDonald’s outlet near the Interlagos circuit will transform its drive-thru into a hyper-realistic Red Bull pit stop, complete with racing-themed service for lightning-fast order pickups. Additionally, Red Bull Energy Drink (250ml cans) will join the menu at select McDonald’s locations across Brazil from October 21, priced at R$16.90 à la carte. For an extra R$13, customers can super-size their McOfertas—such as the Big Mac, Quarterão com Queijo, Cheddar McMelt, Tasty Turbo, or McChicken—with a Red Bull add-on, delivering the perfect fuel for race day energy.
To celebrate the union, the partners have co-created an exclusive cartoon short, fusing Red Bull’s edgy animation style with McDonald’s playful charm. This creative piece highlights the synergy between two cultural powerhouses, connecting with fans through innovative storytelling.
Ilca Sierra, Marketing Director of McDonald’s Brazil, shared her excitement: “It is an honor to join Oracle Red Bull Racing and provide authentic moments that combine flavor and energy, both in restaurants and at the event in São Paulo.” The collaboration aligns with McDonald’s ongoing efforts to refresh its menu and create one-of-a-kind experiences that merge everyday indulgence with high-octane racing.
Gabriel D’Angelo Braz, Marketing Director of Red Bull Brazil, added: “This partnership is super special for us. It’s two brands everyone loves coming together to offer products the public loves – now in the same place. Our mission is to give people wings, and the São Paulo Grand Prix is proof of that. The public will be able to [experience] it in a whole new way, with exclusive experiences at major McDonald’s stores.”
As Red Bull Racing battles for a seventh consecutive Constructors’ Championship, with Verstappen mounting a fierce late-season charge against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, this partnership adds extra fuel to the fire. Fresh upgrades to the RB21 could narrow the points gap even further, setting the stage for high drama at Interlagos.
For more details on participating McDonald’s locations, visit [McDonald’s Brazil promotions page](https://cupons.mcdonalds.com.br/redbullbr).
About Oracle Red Bull Racing
Oracle Red Bull Racing is a six-time Constructors’ World Champion team in Formula 1, powered by innovation, precision, and unrelenting drive.
About McDonald’s
McDonald’s is the world’s leading global food service retailer, serving over 69 million customers daily in more than 100 countries.