Formula 1 teams back Heineken deal amid controversy

Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP leads Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP into the first corner during the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on May 10, 2015
© Getty Images
Formula 1 teams back the sport's new global sponsorship deal with Heineken.

Formula 1 teams have backed the sport's new global sponsorship deal with Heineken.

Believed to be worth up to $150m (£106m) for Formula 1 and tipped to include an unprecedented scope, the Dutch beer brewer's deal has also triggered controversy among campaigners who believe that alcohol advertising should be banned.

"F1 should ask themselves if they want to be a motor sport or an alcohol brand event," said a spokesperson for Eurocare, a public health organisation.

In a letter to FIA president Jean Todt, Eurocare added: "We would like to remind you that drink driving is one of the key killers on the road."

However, F1 teams have backed the sport's new Heineken deal, with the branded message 'If you drive, never drink' already seen on track in Canada.

"I think [Heineken] will be great for Formula 1 so no, I don't have a problem with that level of involvement," Manor's Dave Ryan said.

Force India deputy chief Bob Fernley agreed: "I think Heineken is fantastic for Formula 1."

Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, added: "I think it's a positive thing. There are some great brands involved in formula one now and hopefully we can put on a good show for them."

The 2016 championship continues this weekend with the European Grand Prix.

Romain Grosjean of Haas F1 in the paddock ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 17, 2016
Read Next:
Grosjean urges Haas to fix wing flaw
>