SiLo wrote:What I don't understand is why there aren't more sponsors that are actually car related in F1.
yes, maybe they won't use any of your components, but the general public don't have to know that.
The benefit does not justify the cost. Despite common perception, most companies are not great big vaults of cash. (Banks and Oil companies are the exceptions) Advertising budgets are limited, and must be spent wisely. Advertizing on the side of an F1 car just doesn't provide adequate return on investment.
I do find it interesting that certain brands related to fashion still sponsor individual drivers, but then again the advertizing goes beyond the car on the track. (The handsome and daring driver wears xxx jeans, and yyy cologne and a zzz watch)