Santander and Openbank brands will appear prominently at Formula 1 races in the group’s main markets
Madrid, 4 September 2024.
Banco Santander today announced that it will become the official retail banking partner of Formula 1 in a multi-year deal starting in 2025. The partnership will reinforce the bank’s visibility within its main markets, showcasing the Santander and Openbank brands. Openbank, Europe’s largest 100% digital bank by deposits, will be launched in the US later this year.
The bank’s logos will feature on trackside signage at a number of Grand Prix across the season taking place in Santander’s main markets: in the US, Brazil, México, Spain, and in the UK, among others. The bank will also provide Formula 1 fans with exclusive content and activations throughout the partnership.
Formula 1 is one of the most watched sports in the world, with a cumulative worldwide audience of 1.35 billion in 2023 (Nielsen). Sixty percent of this audience is in Santander’s main markets, with a growing reach in the US and among young people globally. F1 hosts 24 Grand Prix events in 20 different countries, several of which take place in the bank’s largest markets in Europa and the Americas.
Ana Botín, Executive Chair, Banco Santander
We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Formula 1. Over nearly two decades, since Banesto first began working with F1, the power and global reach of the sport has helped Santander engage with customers, deepen relationships, and strengthen our brand. This collaboration will help create value across the group and marks an important new chapter in our relationship, as we continue to transform and grow our business.
I am delighted that Santander, an incredible global brand, will become an Official Partner of Formula 1. Santander has a proud history in our sport, and they know the huge platform we can provide to amplify their story to customers around the globe. I want to thank Ana Botín, Group Executive Chair of Santander, and Juan Manuel Cendoya, global head of Communications, Corporate Marketing and Research, and Vice Chair of Santander Spain, for their passion and commitment to this exciting partnership. Our shared focus on innovation and providing a best-in-class service to our customers and fans is key to our partnership and I am looking forward to a very exciting future on and off the track.
Santander has been involved with the F1 for 15 years since 2006, sponsoring both races and teams such as Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren.