Formula 1 has always evolved with its sponsors, and nicotine pouch brands are now firmly part of that landscape. With Ferrari aligned with ZYN, McLaren partnered with VELO, and Valtteri Bottas representing the 77 range through Cadillac, there is more than enough overlap to track a championship of our own.

After Australia and China, Ferrari had early control. Japan, however, has added a new layer to the story.

McLaren and VELO Strike Back in Japan

After a frustrating start to the season, McLaren finally converted pace into points in Japan.

Oscar Piastri delivered the standout result for the team, finishing second and collecting 18 points. It was a composed, confident drive and exactly what McLaren needed to reassert themselves in the standings.

Lando Norris added another 10 points with a fifth-place finish, giving the team its strongest weekend of the season so far.

After two rounds of mixed results, Japan showed what McLaren are capable of when both cars complete a clean race.

Ferrari and ZYN Still Consistent

Ferrari may not have taken the top step in Japan, but they continue to do what they have done all season so far: score consistently with both drivers.

Charles Leclerc finished third, adding 15 points to his total and maintaining his presence at the top of the standings.

Lewis Hamilton followed with a sixth-place finish, bringing home 8 points. It was not a headline result, but it keeps Ferrari accumulating points at a steady rate.

That consistency remains their biggest strength.

Cadillac and 77 Still Waiting for a Break

For Cadillac and Valtteri Bottas, Japan followed a familiar pattern.

Bottas completed the race this time, which is an improvement on earlier rounds, but a 19th-place finish, one lap down, meant no points once again.

There are small signs of progress, but the team is still waiting for a result that moves them onto the board.

Driver Standings: The Gap Closes at the Top

With Japan added to the tally, the driver standings tighten slightly at the front:

1. Charles Leclerc, 49 points
2. Lewis Hamilton, 41 points
3. Lando Norris, 25 points
4. Oscar Piastri, 21 points
5. Valtteri Bottas, 0 points

Leclerc retains the lead, but the gap to Hamilton has widened slightly after Japan.

More importantly, McLaren’s drivers are now much closer to the Ferrari pair. Norris strengthens his hold on third, while Piastri’s podium brings him firmly into contention after a slow start.

Team Standings: Ferrari Lead, McLaren Close In

The team standings reflect the same pattern of consistency versus recovery:

1. Ferrari, 90 points
2. McLaren, 46 points
3. Cadillac, 0 points

Ferrari still hold a clear lead, built on three races of reliable scoring from both drivers.

However, McLaren have significantly reduced the gap. Japan has effectively brought them back into the conversation, turning what looked like a one-team race into something more competitive.

Cadillac remain without points, but with a long season ahead, that situation can still change quickly.

Momentum Begins to Shift

The first two races painted a picture of Ferrari dominance.

Japan has complicated that narrative.

Ferrari remain the benchmark in terms of consistency, but McLaren have now demonstrated that they have the pace to challenge when everything comes together. If they can string together clean weekends, the gap could close further.

Nicotine Pouches and Formula 1

The presence of nicotine pouch brands in Formula 1 reflects a broader shift in how nicotine products are positioned.

These products are tobacco free and do not involve smoke or vapour, which makes them fundamentally different from traditional tobacco sponsorships that once defined the sport.

Brands like ZYN, VELO, and 77 are now part of a new era of partnerships, aligning with performance-focused teams and a global audience.

What Comes Next

Three races in, the shape of the season is starting to emerge.

Ferrari and ZYN still lead, built on consistency and a strong driver pairing. McLaren and VELO have re-entered the fight with a decisive result in Japan. Cadillac and Bottas are still searching for their first points but showing small signs of improvement.

The early advantage belongs to Ferrari.

But for the first time this season, it feels like there is a real challenge forming behind them.