Formula One (F1) driver Yuki Tsunoda has revealed on social media that he will wear a VALORANT-themed helmet during this weekend’s 2024 Belgian Grand Prix.
The helmet prominently depicts Jett, one of the game’s characters, and the VALORANT logo alongside Visa Cash App RB’s commercial partners.
The VALORANT integration is seemingly due to a collaboration involving Red Bull Gaming, the gaming division of energy drink brand Red Bull, according to a LinkedIn post by Christian Hesse, Global Head of Gaming Events at Red Bull.
Currently driving for Red Bull’s sister team, Yuki Tsunoda made his F1 debut in 2021 for AlphaTauri. Tsunoda was the 2018 Japanese F4 champion and placed third in the 2020 Formula 2 Championship.
Red Bull has been involved in esports and gaming for several years. The company supports esports organisations, including Astralis and Team Heretics, hosts competitions and has opened branded esports venues, such as the Red Bull Gaming Sphere Aarhus in Denmark. Moreover, the Red Bull’s other F1 team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, has its own esports department called Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing.
Red Bull has also worked with Riot Games’ FPS title VALORANT on various occasions, including a partnership with the EMEA league of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) throughout 2022 and 2023 and a women’s competition earlier this year. In September, the fifth edition of the brand’s VALORANT OFF//SEASON tournament, Red Bull Home Ground, will return with a newly introduced official North American Qualifier.
The Belgian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday 28th July on the iconic racing track Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, commonly called Spa.
