Upon completion as title sponsor of the 2025 Austin Grand Prix, which took place on Sunday, MSC Cruises announced it will be the title sponsor of three Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix races in 2026–in Austin, Texas; Barcelona, Spain; and São Paulo, Brazil.
The announcement comes just as the cruise line’s MSC Seascape is ready to begin cruising year-round from the Port of Galveston, further solidifying MSC Cruises’ commitment to the region. At this year’s Austin Grand Prix, MSC Cruises was prominently displayed on the BWT Alpine Formula One Team’s car, the A525, as well as other areas in and around the track.
As part of the title sponsorship, Rubén A. Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Group Cruise Division North America, presented the Constructor’s Trophy during the podium celebration in Austin and said, “As we continue to expand our offerings in the U.S. and bring our signature sailing experience to Texas, we were honored to be the title sponsor for the 2025 Grand Prix in Austin and partner of BWT Alpine Formula One Team. With a shared vision for constant innovation, next-generation technologies and excellence in entertainment, our brands are well-aligned, and this race came at a great time as we get ready to share our unique blend of European style and American comfort with guests this November. We look forward to bringing MSC Seascape to Galveston following this race and once again serving as the title sponsor for the 2026 Grand Prix in Austin, as we continue to make MSC Cruises a household name in Texas.”
MSC Cruises has been a global partner of Formula 1 since 2022, and recently extended that partnership through 2030. Earlier this year, MSC Cruises announced its new partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula One team.
MSC Seascape will begin sailing 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries to Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and Roatán in Honduras on November 9, 2025. While onboard, cruisers will not only experience MSC Cruises’ unique blending of European style with American comfort, but also be able to test their skills in an F1 Simulator to experience the excitement of driving an F1! Car while at sea.