Crypto exchange FTX signs sponsorship deal with F1 team Mercedes-AMG Petronas

Cryptocurrency exchange FTX announced Thursday that it has signed a long-term sponsorship deal with the Formula One (F1) racing team Mercedes-AMG Petronas.

The length of the deal hasn't been disclosed, but FTX said it will span multiple race seasons, with the FTX logo being featured prominently on both the cars and the drivers. Part of the FTX branding will be unveiled during the upcoming Russian Grand Prix on September 26, said the exchange.

The FTX logo will also be featured on Mercedes-Benz trucks, in the garage, and hospitality and communications facilities. FTX said it will also have access to the F1 team's members, including drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, to further expand the reach of its brand to F1's global fan base. FTX and Mercedes F1 also plan to collaborate on initiatives such as FTX Pay integration, an NFT collection, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

While FTX has inked many such sponsorship deals in recent months, this is the first time the exchange has partnered with an F1 team. In June, Crypto.com signed a five-year sponsorship deal with Formula 1, which was reportedly worth more than $100 million. Earlier this year, Crypto.com also partnered with the F1 team Aston Martin Cognizant.

FTX itself has spent over $300 million on such deals with various sports organizations, including the Miami Heat basketball team ($135 million) and TSM ($210 million). FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried recently told The Block that the crypto exchange looks to attract non-crypto natives to its platform with such deals.