‘Sneaky’ advertisements on cars and racing uniforms for British American Tobacco (BAT) and Philip Morris have been banned from the upcoming Melbourne Grand Prix.

The Victorian Government introduced legislation this week that will make it impossible for these international tobacco companies to circumvent Australia’s existing tobacco advertising laws.

There were plans from BAT to promote its “A Better Tomorrow” campaign through the McLaren team, while Philip Morris’ had hoped to promote its research division, Mission Winnow via Ferrari.

And while the companies deny they are promoting any specific tobacco products through their respective campaigns, the Victorian government has now updated legislation so that any words or designs associated with tobacco companies are outlawed from major events in the state.

Health minister Jenny Mikakos said the changes were a result of big tobacco looking to find loopholes.

“We’re putting a stop to big tobacco companies using sneaky tactics to get around our tough laws and promote their dangerous products,” she said.

“Victoria has led the way in cracking down on deadly tobacco advertising and we want it to stay that way. These important changes will stop tobacco giants from misleading Victorians and putting lives at risk.”

“Tobacco are always trying to use sneaky tactics to wriggle around our tough laws – we’re stopping them in their tracks.”