WhatsApp and Mercedes-AMG F1 Group lit up the Empire State Constructing inexperienced and launched a brand new race automotive 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 automotive 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 mild change and turned the constructing’s iconic tower lights a shiny WhatsApp inexperienced. A dynamic mild adopted the lighting present takeover of the constructing’s facade, which featured an animated projection of the brand new emoji racing by way of New York Metropolis.
The celebration continues when WhatsApp and Mercedes-AMG F1 deliver the emoji to life because it shuts down Fifth Avenue for the first-ever demonstration of a Formulation One automotive in Manhattan. The occasion might be led by none apart from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, who might be on the wheel of the velocity demo, which can happen alongside a life-sized duplicate of the emoji race automotive.
Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp, mentioned:
Yr after 12 months, WhatsApp has gained strong floor within the U.S. as a result of folks need a non-public and safe method to talk throughout platforms. WhatsApp is one of the simplest ways to talk a few race with buddies around the globe, 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:
In recent times, our sport and WhatsApp have been on a powerful development journey in the US. Due to this fact, the partnership between WhatsApp, our official messaging companion, and us as a crew 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 non-public and safe, a characteristic that we worth significantly.
We’re additionally obsessed with connecting folks by way of 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 at all times 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 numerous time right here since then. I’ve had many unbelievable experiences and linked with many wonderful folks in New York, however to drive an F1 automotive down Fifth Avenue and lightweight 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 straightforward to remain in contact with so many individuals stateside.
Rounding off two days of celebrations following the launch of a brand new race automotive emoji, Lewis, the crew, and our Official Messaging Associate WhatsApp took over Fifth Avenue in New York Metropolis for an exciting demonstration run. The run, a first-ever reside demonstration of an F1 automotive in Manhattan, was a sight to behold. The automotive, pushed by Lewis Hamilton, was joined by a life-sized model of the not too long ago launched emoji race automotive, including to the thrill of the occasion.
The seven-time World Champion received behind the wheel of W12 and was joined by a life-sized model of the not too long ago launched emoji race automotive. The run marked the first-ever reside demonstration of an F1 automotive in Manhattan and WhatsApp’s double-digit development within the U.S.
Lewis mentioned:
That was epic! I’ve at all times dreamed of driving an F1 automotive 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 buddies and keep in contact after we journey the world. I’ll at all times keep in mind to collaborate with them on a day like this.
Toto added:
I’ve completed many occasions prior to now 12 years, however this tops all of it. Seeing Fifth Avenue shut down for a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Group automotive 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 secure. It’s important for our crew, and our partnership is a pure match.
