Formula 1 News: Mercedes team signs deal with WhatsApp

WhatsApp and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team are forming a multi-year partnership that will take fans into the heart of the action with the eight-time World Champions. With the privacy and security provided by WhatsApp, followers of the team will be given exclusive opportunities to engage with Mercedes-AMG F1 and access unique content.

WhatsApp is the world-leading private messaging service that connects over two billion people globally. Mercedes-AMG F1 relies on WhatsApp as the go-to messaging app to collaborate, champion one another, and maintain crucial real-time coordination during 23 races a year on multiple continents. For years, WhatsApp chats have been part of the culture of success of the Mercedes-AMG F1 team that enables fast and efficient decision making on and off the track.

In September, Mercedes-AMG F1 was an early adopter of the new WhatsApp Channels broadcast feature, to share with fans behind the scenes experiences, insights, and realities of preparing for race weekends and fighting for podiums. The new partnership was announced exclusively via the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team WhatsApp Channel earlier today.

WhatsApp and the Team have signed this new partnership on the eve of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. There will be plenty of fun surprises for fans both in Las Vegas and watching from home, with exclusive and bespoke content planned across the weekend.

Over the last two years WhatsApp has developed critically acclaimed both longform and bite sized content that reveals the role WhatsApp plays in the lives of athletes to connect them with loved ones far from home and provide a private space for the communication that matters most. Examples include Naija Odyssey a film with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and We Are Ayenda featuring the Afghan Youth Women’s National Football team.

Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, said: “WhatsApp plays a critical role in communications across everything we do at Mercedes-AMG F1. From coordinating our operations, sharing ideas, and supporting one another through the journey of each season, it brings the team closer together. It also helps accelerate the speed of communication and decision-making across the organization. As two innovative and forward-thinking brands, I can’t think of a more natural partnership. We look forward to working with WhatsApp and bringing the breadth of our stories to life in innovative and original ways.”

Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp, said: “We’ve been amazed at how the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team relies on WhatsApp to keep the organization running. The leadership and values they have demonstrated to push motorsport forward for years has been inspiring. I’m proud we’ll work together to reveal how WhatsApp brings their team together and fans closer to the action.”