KitKat has officially taken pole position in the world of confectionery, unveiling its first-ever Formula 1®-shaped chocolate car as part of a new global partnership with Formula 1, where the iconic brand becomes the official chocolate bar of F1. The announcement marks a major milestone for both brands, blending the high-speed precision of motorsport with KitKat’s long-standing celebration of taking a break.
To commemorate the partnership, KitKat is launching a chocolate masterpiece shaped like a Formula 1 racing car, a first of its kind. The product features a smooth milk chocolate shell, a creamy filling, and embedded crispy cereal pieces, designed to deliver both indulgence and innovation. The intricate design reflects Nestlé’s world-class research and development expertise, as well as its precision manufacturing capabilities.
According to Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Research and Development Centre for Confectionery in York, the product represents the pinnacle of confectionery craftsmanship.
“The R&D Centre in York is a global hub for innovation in confectionery, where pioneering ideas are transformed into reality,” Barrett said. “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 Formula 1 chocolate car will be available from January 2026, aligning with the start of the Formula 1 calendar and the official launch of the global partnership. In Ireland, the product will roll out nationwide from mid-January, available as a 29g single bar and a multi-pack of five 11g chocolates.
Beyond the product itself, KitKat will feature prominently at key Formula 1 races across Nestlé’s top global markets throughout the 2026 season. The collaboration extends far beyond trackside branding, promising immersive fan experiences, including social media activations, exclusive merchandise, in-store promotions, prize draws, and limited-edition innovations. KitKat will also appear in targeted advertising during Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” offering new touchpoints for fans of the sport, particularly younger audiences driving Formula 1’s growing popularity.
Scott Coles, Managing Director for Nestlé Confectionery in the UK and Ireland, highlighted the shared values between the two brands.
“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,” Coles said.
He added that the partnership reinforces KitKat’s core message of pausing and recharging.
“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.”
With its roots in York dating back to 1935, KitKat remains one of Nestlé’s flagship brands and is now enjoyed in more than 80 countries worldwide. As Nestlé continues its presence in 191 countries with over 2,000 brands, this partnership signals a bold new chapter—where chocolate, culture, and championship racing collide.
Fans are encouraged to watch this space, as more exciting announcements about the KitKat and Formula 1 partnership are expected in the coming months.
