Marlboro entered motorsport in the early 1970s and quickly became one of the most recognizable sponsors in racing history. The brand first appeared in Formula One in 1972 with the BRM team, but its real breakthrough came in 1974 when it partnered with McLaren. This partnership brought huge success, with drivers like James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, and Ayrton Senna all winning world championships in Marlboro colors. By the early 1990s, Marlboro had shifted its primary focus to Ferrari, a collaboration that became legendary. The scarlet Ferrari cars, often with the distinctive white Marlboro branding, defined an era, most famously with Michael Schumacher’s dominance as he won five consecutive world titles from 2000 to 2004. Even after direct tobacco sponsorship was banned, Ferrari retained the iconic red-and-white livery that subtly reminded fans of Marlboro’s presence. Beyond Formula One, Marlboro played a major role in American open-wheel racing. The brand became synonymous with Team Penske, one of the most successful teams in CART and later IndyCar. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Penske’s Marlboro-backed cars won numerous championships and multiple victories at the Indianapolis 500, cementing the brand’s legacy in American motorsport as well. Marlboro also had a strong presence in the World Rally Championship, most famously with Mitsubishi during the 1990s. Under the Marlboro banner, Finnish driver Tommi Mäkinen dominated the sport, securing four consecutive world titles between 1996 and 1999. The brand also partnered with Lancia and other teams during different periods, leaving a lasting impression on rallying just as it had in Formula One and IndyCar. Although strict global restrictions on tobacco advertising eventually forced Marlboro out of motorsport sponsorship, the brand’s legacy remains deeply embedded in racing culture. The iconic red-and-white livery became a timeless symbol of speed, success, and an unforgettable era in motorsport history. #ferarri #scuderiaferrari #marlboro🐴 #maclarenf1 #maclaren #maclarensenna #f1 #formula1 #rally #mitsubishi #lanser #ayrronsenna #wrc #wrcrallye #gt7 #granturismo7 - @kto_r_15