The new red and white uniforms worn by Ferrari's Formula 1 drivers advertise a product that doesn't appear to exist – but it looks very familiar.

Australian authorities are now investigating whether the racing group's uniforms and livery could be in breach of tobacco advertising bans by promoting multinational cigarette maker Philip Morris International.

Sebastian Vettel in the revamped Scuderi Ferrari branding, featuring the Mission Winnow logo. Credit:Marco Ugarte/AP

The investigation, just a month out from the Melbourne Grand Prix, comes as the federal government reviews its tobacco control laws, including advertising regulation.

Philip Morris has had a lucrative sponsorship deal with Ferrari for decades, with the famous red and white livery on Ferrari's racing cars, uniforms and advertising historically featuring the Marlboro cigarette logo.