[Watch House Brand News] IWC is pleased to announce the expansion of a multi-year partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Team. The long-standing partnership between the Swiss luxury watchmaker and the F1 team, which began in 2013 and is built on a shared commitment to excellence, now continues into its second decade. Ahead of the opening of this season's Grand Prix, IWC warmly welcomes George Russell, who will play for the team in 2022 alongside brand ambassador Lewis Hamilton.
Forge future partnerships
As revealed when the new W13 race was officially unveiled on Friday, IWC will continue to act as the "official engineering partner" of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Team, appearing prominently on uniforms, driver gloves, racing suits and team equipment. The expanded partnership reinforces IWC's long-standing commitment to the team, with exciting events expected during the Grand Prix. The first is the F1 Miami Grand Prix in the United States in May, with more highlights on the 2022 race schedule.
IWC and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas racing team are equally committed to integrating more sustainable practices into their operations. IWC manufactures watches that can be passed on from generation to generation, while always striving to manage social and environmental impacts responsibly. In June 2022, IWC will publish its third edition of its Sustainability Report, updating the brand's milestones and commitments for future development.
In line with F1's goal of "zero carbon emissions" by 2030, mercedes-AMG Petronas Racing is working to establish a roadmap. As part of the expanded collaboration and reflecting the commitment of both brands to responsible practices, IWC will work with the team to make a meaningful contribution to the charity programme jointly launched by Mercedes-AMG Petronas and driver Lewis Hamilton to improve diversity and inclusion in motorsport. IWC has had an engineering dream since its founding in 1868 and is now happy to help young people in vulnerable groups realize their career aspirations in motorsport.
With IWC becoming a sponsor of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas esports team, the broader partnership will also extend beyond the track with new online racing. Like F1 teams, esports teams are based at Blakeley headquarters. Team drivers include professionals Bono Huis, Dani Moreno and Jarno Opmeer where they train, qualify and compete in a series of online multi-round championships, including Jarno Opmeer and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team's reigning F1 Pro Series.
Following Friday's W13 debut at Silverstone, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team will conduct its first pre-season test in Barcelona from 23 to 25 February. From 18 to 20 March, the opening match of the 2022 FIA F1 Championship will be held in Bahrain. (Photo/Text Watch House Xu Chaoyang)