Sting Energy and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team just announced their global partnership—and they did it in one of the most unconventional ways we’ve seen in Formula 1. No press conference, no driver interviews, not even a voiceover. Just a racecar taking a lap and delivering the news on its own.

Photo: Sting
In the digital film released online, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 car speeds through the track with zero distractions. The engine growls, builds, and eventually sharpens into a clear, almost cheeky: “STINGGGGGG.”
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This partnership officially kicks off in 2026, marking a milestone for both the brand and the team. As Sting shifts into a new gear on the global stage, it’s promising more energy, more speed, and more action-packed fan experiences throughout the race season.
What followed online was a wave of creator reactions—most of them amused, surprised, or hyped that the announcement was delivered “by a car.” It’s a playful start to what Sting plans to bring to Formula 1 weekends: high-voltage energy and a stronger connection between fans and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team.
Eugene Willemsen, CEO of International Beverages at PepsiCo, shared how this partnership brings together three of PepsiCo’s most iconic brands—Gatorade, Sting, and Doritos—with one of the world’s most successful F1 teams. The collaboration sits at the intersection of performance, culture, and fandom, aiming to fuel everyone from athletes to race enthusiasts.
Toto Wolff, team principal & CEO of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1, echoed that alignment, emphasizing shared values of innovation and excellence. He highlighted how each PepsiCo brand adds something unique to the table—from sports science to cultural relevance—making the partnership a meaningful fit both on and off the track.
Richard Sanders, the team’s chief commercial officer, added that PepsiCo’s presence strengthens both operations and fan engagement, helping to elevate the race experience around the world.
With the partnership set to roll out in 2026, it looks like Sting Energy will bring even more electricity to Formula 1. If a talking race car is just the beginning, the upcoming seasons are about to get a serious jolt.
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