The builders of the world’s best sports games, EA Sports has announced a strategic partnership with the Formula 1 powerhouse Oracle Red Bull Racing and its star driver, three-time World Champion Max Verstappen.
The partnership elevates Red Bull to a key partner for the launch of F1 24.
Verstappen, who boasts a massive in-game following, will continue as an EA Sports ambassador. Moreover, the iconic EA Sports logo will be displayed on the defending champion’s helmet throughout the season, alongside the creation of potential co-branded content.
Verstappen’s star power extends beyond the game itself, with the Dutch driver gracing the cover of the prestigious F1 24 Champions Edition, which will be released on May 28, 2024.
Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner, said, “From F1 to football and from NFL to hockey, EA is synonymous with sports and with entertainment and we are delighted to bring them on board as a Team partner. F1 is experiencing huge growth, appealing to new, young and diverse audiences all around the world, and for many of those fans, gaming is central to how they interact with racing and with Oracle Red Bull Racing.
“EA SPORTS has a proven ability to create truly immersive F1 games that take fans to the heart of what we do, allowing them to race as a hero such as Max or to embark on their own legendary racing careers. We’re thrilled to be part of that story and together with EA and with Max we look forward to taking F1 gaming to the next level with F1 24.”
Andrea Hopelain, GM | SVP Publishing at EA SPORTS, said, “Partnering with Red Bull and Max further demonstrates our commitment to F1, to help grow the sport globally and recognize those at the top of their game. Our players contributed to over 7.5 million race sessions with Max last season, and together we’ll create more moments for Verstappen fans to emulate their hero and prove they have what it takes to be one of the 20.”
EA Sports, a division of Electronic Arts, is a major player in the world of sports video games. The game developer is responsible for popular titles like FIFA, Madden NFL, and NHL, letting gamers virtually take the field or court in their favourite sport. Originally a marketing strategy, EA Sports has grown into a powerhouse, developing and publishing games that capture the thrill of real-world athletics.
Recently, the game developers announced a multi-year partnership renewal with the English Football League (EFL).
Additionally, the reigning constructors’ champions announced partnerships with prominent brands Castore, Ansys and Built For Athletes.