Let’s be real—when two big names team up, it’s either a total flop or pure magic. This time? BAT and McLaren F1 hit the sweet spot. Fresh off McLaren’s 2025 F1 season win (that final race had me yelling at my TV 
), BAT dropped a Velo Champion Edition nicotine pouch and airport pop-ups that feel like a victory lap for adult consumers. As someone who’s grabbed Velo at airports during layovers (no more sneaking vapes through security!), let’s break down why this collab works—and why it’s more than just “pretty packaging.”
First: The “We Believed. Papaya Won.” Vibe—Packaging That Screams Victory 
McLaren’s iconic papaya orange is everywhere on the Champion Edition, and let’s be honest—it’s impossible to miss. The pouch has bold letters shouting “We Believed. Papaya Won.” and tiny F1 car sketches that make it feel like a mini trophy. I spotted a guy at Abu Dhabi Airport holding one last week, and even non-F1 fans asked where he got it.
But it’s not just looks. The Champion Edition is still the Velo we know: no tobacco, no smoke, just a quick nicotine hit that fits in your pocket. I tried the mint flavor (my go-to) while waiting for a flight—10 minutes later, no jitters, just the calm I need before boarding. BAT didn’t mess with the formula; they just gave it a “winner’s glow.” Smart move—why fix what already works?
Airport Pop-Ups: From Layover Boredom to F1 Fun 
If you’re flying through Abu Dhabi, London Heathrow, or Madrid’s airport between now and Feb 2026, don’t skip the Velo x McLaren spots. They’ve got a mini F1 simulator (I crashed twice—no shame 
), papaya-colored photo booths, and free sample packs of the Champion Edition.
My friend passed through Abu Dhabi last week and sent me a video: The booth had a McLaren driver suit you could try on, and the staff handed out Velo pouches with little “race day” stickers. “It turned my 3-hour layover from ‘meh’ to ‘cool,’” she said. For BAT, it’s genius—airports are full of busy adults who want quick, discreet nicotine fixes. Why hand out flyers when you can let people test the product while geeking out over F1?
Why This Collab Matters (Beyond the Hype) 
Let’s get real—nicotine pouches are blowing up, and BAT knows it. Stats say the US nicotine pouch market will hit £7 billion by 2030, and Velo’s already a player (they grabbed 20% of the global market, per 2023 data). Teaming up with McLaren isn’t just for fun—it’s about reaching a new crowd: F1 fans who want “race-ready” convenience.
Think about it: McLaren fans are used to speed, performance, and style. Velo checks those boxes—no waiting for a vape to heat up, no ash, just a pouch that works as fast as a F1 car accelerates. Plus, it’s a win for travelers: No more hiding vapes in your toiletries bag or stressing about liquid limits. Velo’s Champion Edition is TSA-friendly, which alone makes it a hero for frequent flyers.
The Catch? It’s (For Now) Airport-Only—And That’s a Tease 
Here’s the downside: Right now, you can only get the Champion Edition at those airport pop-ups. I asked a BAT rep if it’ll hit regular stores, and they said “maybe later.” C’mon, BAT—us non-travelers want in too! But hey, it’s a good excuse to book a weekend trip (or just hang out at the airport for an hour—no judgment).
At the end of the day, this collab is a home run. BAT took a boring “retail event” and turned it into something fun, and McLaren gets to keep its winning vibe alive off the track. Whether you’re an F1 fan, a Velo regular, or just someone who hates airport stress, the Champion Edition is worth grabbing.
Have you seen the pop-ups yet? Or are you already planning a trip to Abu Dhabi just for the pouches? Drop a comment below—I need to know if I’m the only one who’s now considering a layover in London. Happy (champion-approved) puffing! 