Chelsea FC in partnership with Sauber F1

Swiss Formula 1 team Sauber has announced a surprise new partnership – with English Premiership football team Chelsea FC.

The deal had been previewed by intriguing engine cover logos reading ‘Out of the Blue’ and True Blue’, seen at the Chinese and Bahrain Grands Prix.

Ayrton Senna’s first F1 car is auctioned

New Year Honours for F1 champs

Inside Red Bull Racing F1

Now, the identity of ‘the Blues’ has been revealed, and the Chelsea FC logos will be seen on Sauber’s F1 cars for the first time at the Spanish Grand Prix on 11-13 May.

It’s an innovative deal, said Sauber, one never attempted before in F1. However, there are numerous possible synergies, said Sauber F1 Team CEO Monisha Kaltenborn.

“In either case we are talking about team sport at the highest – and international – level. The Sauber F1 Team and Chelsea FC are dealing with many of the same sporting and commercial topics and we want to strengthen each other in these areas.”

Chief executive of the Champions League finalists, Ron Gurley, said the aim was to unite the fans, through the various similarities between the two top-tier teams.

“We share many philosophies when it comes to how the respective organisations are run, from the development of young talent to constantly striving for success.

“Sauber’s philosophy towards grassroots development has produced some of the best drivers in F1, which mirrors our dedication to develop promising young football talent through our Academy.

“This partnership will benefit us both greatly, with the potential to create unique commercial opportunities. It is a shared vision to unite the two most attractive sports in the world.”

Both Sauber F1 and Chelsea FC benefit greatly in one key area – exposure. Sauber’s logos will be seen on Chelsea’s interview walls and pitchside advertising boards, while Chelsea’s crest will be seen on the F1 car’s engine cover.

Look out for the Premiership football team looking to launch the new partnership with a bang at the Spanish Grand Prix…