MKT revolution crossing the streets of Miami: the emotional debut of the remote-control Mini Car WhatsApp-Mercedes that Captivated F1

(By Ortega, Maurizio, and Maqueda) Crossing and partnership, playful branding of brands, and the phygital experience are now the most notable, complex, and impactful joint strategies of major brands. A clear example is the alliance between WhatsApp and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 focusing on celebrating WhatsApp's rapid growth in the United States, highlighting an increase in users and messages sent. To commemorate this milestone, a new custom racing car emoji was launched, available to over two billion WhatsApp users, coinciding with the Miami Grand Prix. Two mega brands thematically unite by creating interventions in public spaces, parades, Out of Home displays, remote-control car activations, conceptualizing and generating phygital content from both brands.

"No matter how tech-savvy you are, it's no longer effective for a project manager to try to win more B2B or B2C clients with technical videos or 'rational customer journey,'" as shared from the F1 pit box. That's why many tech brands and startups are physically activating in F1, or in soccer, e-games, or golf."




Video of the mini car at F1, here.

Crossing and phygitality in action (when the short video, made from an app, is no longer enough):

The Empire State Building lit up in WhatsApp green and a light show with the moving emoji projected, merging communication technology with the excitement of Formula 1.

Video summary here.

In addition to the emoji presentation, a Formula 1 car demonstration took place in Manhattan, where Lewis Hamilton drove alongside a life-size replica of the racing car emoji down Fifth Avenue.

This street exhibition in New York symbolizes the union between WhatsApp's high communication technology and the speed and excitement of Formula 1, showcasing the collaboration between both brands to deliver unique experiences to their followers and users.

Will Cathcart, WhatsApp's director, emphasized the significance of this event as a testament to the platform's growth and relevance in the United States. He highlighted that WhatsApp goes beyond being just a messaging app, becoming an essential tool for private and secure communications. The partnership with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 reinforces this idea by uniting passions, celebrating iconic moments, and connecting people worldwide through technology and the excitement of motor sports.

 

WhatsApp is once again at the forefront of innovation, lighting up the Empire State Building in green and releasing a new racing car emoji to celebrate its explosive growth in the United States. In collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team, this emotional event marked a milestone in merging communication technology with the thrill of Formula 1.

  • In a dazzling spectacle, star driver Lewis Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff brought the Empire State Building to life with a WhatsApp green glow, symbolizing the union between Formula 1 speed and global connectivity. This event marked the launch of the new racing car emoji, now available to over two billion WhatsApp users, just in time for the Miami Grand Prix.

From the iconic New York building to the bustling streets of Miami, where street brand installations and activations with stands were set up – yes, with physical stands, not just something online – this initiative has captivated audiences worldwide.

  • While F1 exhibitions and a mini WhatsApp-Mercedes car performing stunts took place in NYC streets, the remote-controlled emoji car arrived at Miami airport, was filmed, and made its way to the Mercedes pits where everyone enjoyed its skills.

This was captured by thousands of social media photos, videos, and went viral, leveraging online platforms as content distributors rather than content generators, in a logically sequential manner.

Tips IN:

  • The collaboration with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 has allowed WhatsApp users to immerse themselves in the thrill of motorsport through the new racing car emoji and exclusive team stickers.

  • Hamilton's presence on the streets of Manhattan and the lighting of the Empire State Building have generated unprecedented excitement among Formula 1 fans, showcasing the power of technology to unite passions and celebrate iconic moments.

  • The alliance between WhatsApp and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 represents the synergy between privacy and technological innovation.

  • The racing car emoji is available to users under the search term "F1," adding a festive touch to their conversations.

 

Hamilton's showcase on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue marked a milestone in integrating high technology and speed in an urban environment.

From the lights of New York to the streets of Miami, this event has left an indelible mark on the history of Formula 1 and modern communication.

In a world where technology and emotion intertwine , the launch of the WhatsApp racing car emoji has captivated audiences worldwide, highlighting the importance of connectivity in the digital age.

 

 

Furthermore, it demonstrates, much like the action of Puma-HP-Ray-Ban with the blue Ferraris, or the hundreds of initiatives by VISA and Red Bull in streets, hotels, beaches, that there is a significant effort by brands to make the brand experience tangible and real, expanding marketing, branding, brand museology, product cross-overs, limited editions, and brand extensions with great attention to detail.

Marcelo Maurizio once said, "The business behind the business is the best business," which is always observed and analyzed, something Miami has learned like no other in the world. For example, the best business for a Beer Specialist Bar is its boutique, selling mini coolers, tableware, glassware, merchandise, collectibles, from its market and personalized products, private events, memorabilia, museums, themed spaces, courses, meetings, etc.

The brand that enhances its experience is the most profitable through emotions and the differential value it offers in products or services that amplify base, rational, direct, and primary consumption.

In a world where technology and emotions intersect, the launch of the WhatsApp racing car emoji has captivated global audiences, emphasizing the importance of connectivity in the digital era.

If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!

American Airlines invierte US$ 1.000 millones que revolucionará el Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami (hasta el infinito y más allá)

(Por Taylor, con Maqueda, edición Maurizio) En una jugada que promete transformar el panorama de las aerolíneas y los viajes internacionales en Estados Unidos, American Airlines ha anunciado una inversión de USD $1,000 millones destinada a la ampliación de la terminal D del Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami (MIA). 

(Lectura de valor, 4 minutos de lectura, material idea para compartir)

American Airlines le da otro vuelo a MIA (Miami Internacional Airport)

(Por Taylor, edición Maurizio) La aerolínea ha anunciado una inversión monumental de USD $1,000 millones para la ampliación de la terminal D en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami (MIA), un proyecto previsto para iniciar en 2027 que promete transformar radicalmente la experiencia del viajero.

(Lectura de valor, 4 minutos de lectura, material idea para compartir)

El mundo analiza el “algoritmo Messi”: cómo Inter Miami convirtió un 0-2 en un éxito en todo sentido (el verdadero negocio es la remontada)

(Por Ortega - desde Orlando -, con Maurizio) En la MLS 2026, ganar un clásico no es solo sumar tres puntos: es dominar la conversación. Y eso fue exactamente lo que hizo Inter Miami en Orlando: pasó de un 0-2 en media hora a un 4-2 que reescribe el Clásico de Florida y, sobre todo, deja una señal estratégica para toda la liga

(Lectura de valor, 4 minutos de lectura, material idea para compartir)

Netflix anuncia al mundo que se cae la compra de Warner (y quizás la operación de crossing media más importante de la historia de los medios)

(Redacción Miami) El comunicado oficial de Netflix: “Creemos que habríamos sido grandes administradores de las icónicas marcas de Warner Bros. y que nuestro acuerdo habría hecho crecer la industria del entretenimiento, al mismo tiempo que preservaría y crearía más empleos de producción en Estados Unidos”.

(Lectura de valor, 4 minutos de lectura, material idea para compartir)

El código del Ormuz, la apuesta detrás del barril de crudo a US$ 100

(Por Mauvecin, Maurizio y Taylor) Cuando los titulares gritan sobre el estrecho de Ormuz, la mayoría piensa en un mapa, barcos y un cuello de botella. Lo que solo el 0.5% de las mentes estratégicas procesa es que estamos ante el mayor juego de póquer geopolítico desde la Crisis de los Misiles de Cuba, pero con crudo, drones y algoritmos financieros como fichas. 

(Lectura de valor, 4 minutos de lectura, material idea para compartir)

Superstar 2.0: Adidas Originals reescribe la cultura streetwear con una hiper campaña global que trasciende el fútbol (Miami queda fascinada)

(Por Maurizio y Maqueda) Campaña cinematográfica dirigida por Thibaut Grevet y protagonizada por figuras globales de música, moda y deporte: Samuel L. Jackson (narrador), Kendall Jenner, Jennie de BLACKPINK, Lamine Yamal, Baby Keem, James Harden, Tyshawn Jones y Olivia Dean.

(Lectura de valor, 4 minutos de lectura, material idea para compartir)

El futuro del branding en la era de la hiper saturación: McDonald's Nueva Zelanda y un ejemplo que es escuela para todos

(Por Rodriguez Otero y Maurizio) Desde McDonald 's hasta Apple, la necesidad de innovación en branding nunca ha sido más crítica. En este entorno, es esencial que las marcas no solo se adapten, sino que también lideren con estrategias audaces y creativas. Entonces que le queda al resto del universo de marcas… solo hacer mucho más de lo que están haciendo hasta ahora y con una estrategia de ecosistema crossing. 

(Lectura de valor, 4 minutos de lectura, material idea para compartir)