Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had a huge impact on Formula 1, especially at Haas who chose to cut ties with their main sponsor Uralkali and driver Nikita Mazepin in the wake of the shocking news.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has urged companies to withdraw their products from Russia, as the taxes that are made from sales in the country could be used by Vladimir Putin to fund his invasion of Ukraine.
McDonalds, Carlsberg and Nike did exactly that, followed by hundreds of other major brands who obviously wished to not be involved in Russia’s horrific actions, however a small number of companies have decided to keep their products on sale.
Red Bull have been very clear on their stance, claiming that they have suspended all their marketing campaigns in Russia, but will continue to keep their products on the shelves and conduct their usual business.
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Ukraine protestors have previously targeted Red Bull’s headquarters in Salzburg, however there has now been an attack on the Red Bull Racing HQ in Milton Keynes.
With the idea in mind that Red Bull’s sales in Russia as somewhat funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, protestors have infiltrated the Milton Keynes base to project a topless photo of Putin onto the side of the building, making it look like the Russian leader is riding the bull on the company’s logo.
The slogan ‘Red Bull gives Putin wings’ has been shared around social media in the wake of the protest, with a website being set up where people can message athletes involved with Red Bull, such as Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, to plea them to speak to their bosses about their involvement in Russia.
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The Ukraine Solidarity Project have previously projected a video onto the side of the Red Bull base, begging Verstappen to take action and stand up again his team’s refusal to pull out of Russia, but it seems as if those involved in the racing team would prefer to stay out of political matters.
The protesters have warned Red Bull on social media that this is only the beginning of their protests, with the project planning to ramp up their campaign against the company until they see action for the bosses at the energy drink giants.
Following the passing of owner Dietrich Mateschitz, it is unclear who the protesters are attempting to get through to, as Red Bull faces a reshuffle of its management and hierarchy.