PR in Formula One

Let's ask the man who knows ...

http://www.formula1blog.com/2011/07/26/pr-sponsor-events-media-attention-losing-races/

 

For team sponsors, it's all about maximizing the exposure
of their brand and use of the drivers is central to their
PR as the cars aren't usually available. It's a viscious
circle.

Assuming in the case of a high profile driver like Hamilton,
there are provisions in their contracts stipulating x-amount
of appearances at x-locations per year.

For the drivers, it's a different game as they're usually
running from one sponsor event to another either to raise
sponsorship or make their appearance obligations.

A lot depends on the driver. Some handle going from
cockpit to cocktail party seamlessly and can handle
making small talk with strangers on a variety of topics
with ease.

Others however are uncomfortable out of the cockpit
and may be perceived as obtuse in these situations and
they feel it's a distraction from driving.

As busy as F-1 drivers may be, imagine being on the
NASCAR dog & pony circuit 50 weeks out of the year, ha!

BHW