WhatsApp and Mercedes-AMG F1 Group lit up the Empire State Constructing inexperienced and launched a brand new race automobile emoji to rejoice its speedy development in the US. The corporate introduced double-digit development in each every day customers and messages despatched on WhatsApp within the U.S., a testomony to the platform’s recognition and relevance within the nation.
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WhatsApp launched the brand new customized race automobile emoji that over two billion customers can use instantly of their chats, simply in time for the Miami Grand Prix this coming weekend. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 driver Lewis Hamilton and CEO and Group Principal Toto Wolff collectively flipped the Empire State Constructing’s well-known gentle swap and turned the constructing’s iconic tower lights a vivid WhatsApp inexperienced. A dynamic gentle adopted the lighting present takeover of the constructing’s facade, which featured an animated projection of the brand new emoji racing via New York Metropolis.
The celebration continues when WhatsApp and Mercedes-AMG F1 carry the emoji to life because it shuts down Fifth Avenue for the first-ever demonstration of a System One automobile in Manhattan. The occasion shall be led by none aside from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, who shall be on the wheel of the pace demo, which is able to happen alongside a life-sized reproduction of the emoji race automobile.
Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp, mentioned:
12 months after 12 months, WhatsApp has gained strong floor within the U.S. as a result of folks need a personal and safe approach to talk throughout platforms. WhatsApp is one of the best ways to talk a few race with associates world wide, and inside the U.S., we’re excited to rejoice this development with Mercedes and the Empire State Constructing.
Toto Wolff, CEO and Group Principal, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Group, added:
Lately, our sport and WhatsApp have been on a powerful development journey in the US. Subsequently, the partnership between WhatsApp, our official messaging associate, and us as a workforce is a pure match. We rely every day on WhatsApp for the privateness and safety it affords in our communications, which is important in F1. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption ensures that our conversations stay personal and safe, a characteristic that we worth significantly.
We’re additionally obsessed with connecting folks via shared experiences, dedicated to telling unbelievable tales and setting the benchmark in our respective fields. The anticipation is palpable as we gear up for the primary stateside Grand Prix this 12 months. We’re thrilled to rejoice our collaboration with a number of iconic moments and New York Metropolis activations that may spark conversations.
Lewis Hamilton mentioned:
I’ve all the time felt a particular reference to the US. I keep in mind going to New York as a child and dreaming about residing there, and I’ve been lucky to have spent a variety of time right here since then. I’ve had many unbelievable experiences and linked with many superb folks in New York, however to drive an F1 automobile down Fifth Avenue and light-weight up the Empire State Constructing is extremely particular. It’s one thing I by no means thought attainable, and it’s been even higher to do it in partnership with WhatsApp, an app that retains my connection to the U.S. alive by making it simple to remain in contact with so many individuals stateside.
Rounding off two days of celebrations following the launch of a brand new race automobile emoji, Lewis, the workforce, and our Official Messaging Accomplice WhatsApp took over Fifth Avenue in New York Metropolis for an exciting demonstration run. The run, a first-ever stay demonstration of an F1 automobile in Manhattan, was a sight to behold. The automobile, pushed by Lewis Hamilton, was joined by a life-sized model of the not too long ago launched emoji race automobile, including to the thrill of the occasion.
The seven-time World Champion acquired behind the wheel of W12 and was joined by a life-sized model of the not too long ago launched emoji race automobile. The run marked the first-ever stay demonstration of an F1 automobile in Manhattan and WhatsApp’s double-digit development within the U.S.
Lewis mentioned:
That was epic! I’ve all the time dreamed of driving an F1 automobile down Fifth Avenue in New York Metropolis. It was implausible seeing the crowds and everybody’s pleasure. It’s unbelievable to do one thing like this, particularly contemplating the outstanding historical past of this metropolis.
Thanks to WhatsApp and the Empire State Constructing for making it attainable. I take advantage of WhatsApp to speak with all my household and associates and keep in contact once we journey the world. I’ll all the time keep in mind to collaborate with them on a day like this.
Toto added:
I’ve finished many occasions up to now 12 years, however this tops all of it. Seeing Fifth Avenue shut down for a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Group automobile to run was spectacular. That’s true even by New York requirements!
It’s implausible to have the ability to do that to rejoice our partnership with WhatsApp and showcase our relationship. WhatsApp is our default communication software; it’s end-to-end encrypted and protected. It’s vital for our workforce, and our partnership is a pure match.
