In recent years, Formula 1 has rapidly evolved beyond its traditional status as just a motorsport spectacle and a battleground of engineering prowess. The world’s most prestigious racing series is increasingly taking responsibility for its wider impact on society, focusing on sustainability, diversity, and genuine community engagement. Among the partnerships steering this change is the dynamic collaboration between Formula 1 and Allwyn, an international lottery operator, whose commitment to using sponsorship for tangible social value is setting a new standard on and off the track.
At the heart of this progressive partnership is the F1® Community Awards, a groundbreaking initiative designed to recognize and amplify the efforts of grassroots organizations making meaningful contributions to local communities across the globe. The awards have become a powerful way to spotlight unsung heroes, foster social cohesion, and inspire the next generation to dream big—regardless of their background or circumstances.
The program is unique in the way it unites the excitement of Formula 1 with real-world impact. By leveraging F1’s immense global reach and blending it with Allwyn’s ethos of public good, the collaboration is not only raising awareness but also providing practical support—financial, logistical, and symbolic—to organizations that are all too often overlooked. This approach serves as an inspiring example of how global sporting brands can wield their influence responsibly, unlocking opportunities for people far from the world’s most glamorous racing circuits.
Each season, nominees for the F1® Community Awards are carefully selected for their dedication to creating positive change. From youth development programs to projects promoting diversity and environmental sustainability, the scope of the awards showcases the broad spectrum of challenges that communities face worldwide. Crucially, the selection process involves not just F1 and Allwyn executives, but also figureheads from the grassroots world, ensuring authenticity and real understanding of local needs.
The reward for the winning organizations isn’t just recognition. There are financial grants that can make a genuine difference in the ability to deliver their programs, as well as access to the F1 paddock and the opportunity to present their work on a truly global stage. For many, this exposure unlocks new partnerships, greater fundraising opportunities, and even the engagement of F1 drivers and teams as advocates for their cause.
What makes this initiative stand out is the way it dovetails with the wider “We Race As One” platform. Launched in 2020, this movement was shaped by a need for sport to respond meaningfully to the challenges and inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With F1 and Allwyn’s Community Awards, fans see that the promises made under the We Race As One banner are not mere slogans; they are being translated into visible, measurable actions on the ground.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect for Formula 1 fans is the invitation to take part in this journey. With the awards being profiled during race weekends and across F1’s digital platforms, enthusiasts get the chance to cheer for more than just drivers and constructors—they can celebrate the transformative power of their sport. From festival-style activations at circuits to digital storytelling that profiles beneficiaries, a new narrative is emerging: F1 is a force for good, helping to drive social innovation as surely as it pushes technical boundaries.
In a world where sports marketing can often feel transactional and remote, the F1® Community Awards represent a refreshing, authentic approach. For Hungarian fans—and indeed fans everywhere—the message is clear: Formula 1 is about more than fast cars. It’s about speed, human ingenuity, and now, social progress. Through initiatives like F1 and Allwyn’s partnership, the sport is racing into a future where its value off track is every bit as compelling as the drama on it.
