BAT back on F1 grid

BRITISH American Tobacco is returning to Formula One after more than a decade through a global partnership with McLaren.

The Dunhill, Camel and Rothmans owner said the multi-year deal, with on-car adverts, will promote its “reduced-risk products”.

BAT will work with McLaren Applied Technologies, sharing expertise including batteries and design.

BAT competed as British American Racing from 1999 to the end of 2005 when Honda took over. It ended sports sponsorship in 2006 after a ban on tobacco sports advertising.