The frivolities in the build-up to the Miami Grand Prix have begun in grand fashion. Mercedes has taken its WhatsApp partnership to the next level by lighting up the Empire State Building in New York. 7-time champion Lewis Hamilton and Team Principal Toto Wolff unveiled a new Mercedes F1 car emoji that will make its debut on WhatsApp. Moreover, Hamilton is also set to take the wheel of a Mercedes around the streets of New York.

In February, Mercedes added a green WhatsApp button on the steering wheels of their cars. The famous green icon became the team radio button for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. To celebrate their partnership and the growing love for the messaging company in the USA, they even organized a WhatsApp x Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Empire State Building Viewing Party.

Hamilton and Wolff flipped the switch to showcase a new black car emoji on the 102-storey Art Deco Skyscraper in Manhattan. Rauw Alejandro, Cynthia Erivo, Eric Nam, and many other celebrities graced the magnificent event. But here’s the even more interesting part! Lewis Hamilton will also drive a Mercedes F1 car alongside a life-sized version of the new black car emoji down Fifth Avenue.

At this promotional event, Lewis Hamilton and his team boss looked the happiest they’ve been this season. Hamilton even revealed his American dream before the showrun in Manhattan.

Lewis Hamilton declares his love for the USA before “incredibly special” showcase

In 2023, Lewis Hamilton had revealed why he loved the American culture immensely. In his experience, he found comfort in sharing a “similarity” with the Americans over the love and enthusiasm for sports. The Briton was also impressed by the passion that the fans have for the NBA and Super Bowl.

Extending this relationship, Hamilton had more kind words for the country’s inhabitants. “I’ve always felt a special connection with the United States,” Hamilton said at the WhatsApp event, as quoted by GPfans. “I remember going to New York as a kid and dreaming about living in the city and I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time here since then,” he said.

“I’ve had many incredible experiences and connected with many amazing people in New York,” Hamilton added. “But to drive an F1 car down Fifth Avenue and light up the Empire State Building is incredibly special. It’s something I never thought would be possible,” he further said.

Lewis Hamilton’s public declaration of love for F1’s American fans comes right before the promising Miami GP. This stirring message, along with the Mercedes x WhatsApp event, is bound to increase this race weekend’s hype. Can the Silver Arrows live up to the fanfare they have created in Florida?