KitKat takes poll position with new F1® chocolate car – debuts global Formula 1 partnership
KitKat takes poll position this spring with launch of new F1® chocolate car and debuts global Formula 1 partnership.
KitKat is proud to be the official chocolate bar of Formula 1. To mark this exciting partnership, the brand is launching a chocolate masterpiece in the shape of a Formula 1 racing car, the first of its kind. Featuring a smooth milk chocolate shell with creamy filling and embedded crispy cereal pieces, the product showcases Nestlé’s world-class R&D expertise and precision manufacturing.
Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Research and Development Centre for Confectionery, York, UK, said:
“The R&D Centre in York is a global hub for innovation in confectionery, where pioneering ideas are transformed into reality. Just as Formula 1 teams apply meticulous precision to every design detail, our KitKat teams have worked tirelessly on elevating even the tiniest design elements, drawing on their deep expertise in product development and moulding, to engineer this miniature replica of a Formula 1 car for consumers to enjoy on their next break.”
The KitKat F1 chocolate car will be available from January 2026, as the global partnership kicks off in alignment with the F1 calendar.
KitKat will feature at key F1 races in Nestlé’s top markets during the 2026 season. The partnership goes beyond trackside visibility, delivering immersive fan experiences through social media engagement, exclusive merchandise, in-store activations, prize promotions, and innovative, limited-edition products. KitKat will also appear with targeted ads during Netflix series, Drive to Survive, giving fans unique ways to engage with a sport that’s rapidly gaining traction among younger generations.
Scott Coles, Managing Director for Nestlé Confectionery in the UK and Ireland, said:
“Crafted in the iconic shape of a Formula 1 car and inspired by the thrill of both Formula 1 and the KitKat break, this treat has been made for fans who crave excitement both on and off the track.
“We want to bring exhilarating F1 breaks to everyone. KitKat’s always been about those feel-good breaks and now, much like those crucial pit stops during any F1 race, we want KitKat fans to hit that pause button, making it even easier to disconnect and re-charge.
“Combining product innovation with strong consumer engagement is what sets KitKat apart from the competition and we can’t wait to share what’s next for the UK & Ireland in 2026.”
Watch this space for further exciting news on the KitKat and Formula 1 partnership here in the UK and Ireland. The KitKat Formula 1 chocolate car single (29g) and multi-pack (5x11g) will be available nationwide in Ireland from mid-January.
The F1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.
