Smartsheet are putting another non-profit front and centre of a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, as they switch out their branding on the MCL60 and replace it with Girlstart’s logo at the US Grand Prix as part of their Sponsor X initiative.

Smartsheet launched Sponsor X to give a platform to deserving non-profits. For select grands prix during the year, they give up their on-car branding and collaborate with McLaren to provide meaningful experiences and resources throughout race week and beyond.

The campaign has been running since the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, where they highlighted STEM non-profit DeadlyScience. They followed that by spotlighting The Hidden Genius Project at the 2022 United States Grand Prix and STEAM Co. at the 2023 British Grand Prix.

For this year’s US Grand Prix in Austin, they’ll be drawing attention to Girlstart, an extraordinary non-profit empowering young girls to become the next generation of leaders in STEM. The US-based non-profit will take Smartsheet’s brand position on the MCL60 throughout the weekend.

“At McLaren Racing, we are passionate about promoting STEM and making pathways ever-more accessible and aspirational,” said Louise McEwen, Executive Director, Brand & Marketing, McLaren Racing. “Smartsheet’s Sponsor X initiative has enabled us to connect with inspiring, STEM-related non-profits at key race events and provide our team’s support.

“We’re excited to meet Girlstart at this year’s United States Grand Prix, an incredible organisation which empowers young women to embrace and pursue STEM careers, and hope they have an unforgettable experience being introduced to the world of Formula 1.”

Smartsheet is committed to making a meaningful impact and wants to give Girlstart the visibility they deserve, but would otherwise struggle to achieve on their own, showcasing their incredible mission to Formula 1’s global audience.

It's about accelerating the mission of Girlstart and inspiring a future where girls take the lead in science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Girlstart is a national, women-led non-profit focused on increasing girls' interest and engagement in STEM through year-round, innovative, nationally-recognized informal education experiences. Founded in 1997, Girlstart is one of the longest-running programs devoted to empowering girls in STEM.

It aims to inspire and equip them with the skills and confidence they need to pursue their dreams with meaningful, hands-on STEM activities, such as after-school, summer camps, and other community events.

"By providing relevant and fun anchoring experiences, we nurture the belief in girls that science, technology, engineering, and maths is where they belong,” explains Girlstart Executive Director, Shane Woods. “Simply put, Girls start dreaming. Girls start believing. Girls start becoming."

Sometimes, leaving a mark means removing one - together, we can use sponsorships as a force for good.

Smartsheet makes software that helps companies create more meaningful work. They’re helping organisations of all sizes manage projects, automate processes and tasks, and scale up to enterprise-level programs and portfolios — all with one platform. You can find out more about Sponsor X here.