Oracle Red Bull Racing partners with Carlyle in groundbreaking sponsorship deal
- Oracle Red Bull Racing has entered into a partnership with Carlyle, the first of its kind between an F1 team and a major global private markets firm.
- Carlyle has over $465 billion in assets and employs more than 2,300 people globally, making it a significant player in the investment management space.
- This partnership highlights the growing intersection of sports and finance and is seen as a strategic move for both organizations.
In September 2025, Oracle Red Bull Racing made headlines by announcing a partnership with Carlyle, one of the world's largest investment firms. This partnership marks a significant milestone for the Formula One racing world, as it is the first time a Formula One team has engaged in a sponsorship deal with a major global private markets firm. The announcement underscores the growing intersection between sports and financial investment, highlighting how Formula One's appeal continues to extend beyond traditional audiences. Carlyle is known for its vast management of assets, having $465 billion under its purview through a workforce exceeding 2,300 across 27 offices worldwide. This deal allows Carlyle to leverage its association with Oracle Red Bull Racing, to enhance its visibility among potential clients, partners, and broader communities. The financial specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed, but it undoubtedly represents a strategic move for both organizations. As part of this partnership, Carlyle's branding will be prominently displayed on the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 car, driven by renowned racers Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda. Additional branding will appear on various team assets, including the car chassis, drivers' kits, and the pit wall, ensuring wide visibility during race events. The branding is set to debut at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku City, scheduled for September 21, 2025, with activities ramping up during the race week beginning on the 19th. Team Principal Laurent Mekies expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that both organizations share a commitment to excellence and a collaborative spirit. This sentiment was echoed by Carlyle's CEO Harvey Schwartz, who highlighted the transformation the investment industry is undergoing, paralleling the changing landscape of Formula 1 as it reaches new audiences. The ongoing partnership may pave the way for further collaborations between sports and investment firms in the future, showcasing the evolving ways in which global finance engages with the world of sports.