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.

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  • 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!

Messi renueva en Inter Miami y Beckham solo tiene elogios: “Gracias Leo, aquí está el futuro”

(Por Ortega-Maqueda, con la colaboración de Maurizio) "Como dueño, tener un jugador que ame el juego tanto como él, y que ha hecho tanto por el juego en este país e inspirar a la próxima generación de jóvenes talentos como él, me siento muy afortunado. Gracias Leo, aquí está el futuro”, sentenció el exjugador inglés.

(Tiempo de lectura de alto valor estratégico: 4 minutos)

Freedom Park: ¿por qué primero generaron una cultura y mega experiencias, para hacer realidad la metamorfosis arquitectónica que redefinirá Miami?

(Por Taylor) En el epicentro de una transformación urbana sin precedentes, Miami se apresta a inaugurar no simplemente un recinto deportivo, sino un catalizador generacional que promete reconfigurar la experiencia urbana del siglo XXI. El Miami Freedom Park —131 acres de ambición arquitectónica, visión empresarial y diseño experiencial— representa la convergencia de tres fuerzas imparables: el capital global, la innovación inmobiliaria y el magnetismo cultural de una metrópolis que no conoce límites.

(Tiempo de lectura de alto valor estratégico: 4 minutos)

Beckham: el arquitecto del sueño americano versión 3.0 (desde Miami)

(Por Ortega-Maqueda, con la colaboración de Maurizio) La figura de David Beckham merece un análisis específico. Pocas personas en la historia del deporte han logrado la transición de atleta de élite a magnate empresarial con tal maestría. Su patrimonio neto estimado supera los  USD $450 millones, pero su verdadero capital es intangible: la capacidad de visualizar futuros y materializarlos.

(Tiempo de lectura de alto valor estratégico: 4 minutos)

El Proyecto “Galáctico” 2026: Inter Miami busca blindar el arco para el año del Freedom Park (los nombres que suenan en Brickell)

(Por Ortega-Taylor) En el ajedrez estratégico del fútbol moderno, cada pieza cuenta. Y mientras Lionel Messi acapara titulares con su renovación hasta 2028, el Inter Miami ejecuta en silencio una ingeniería de plantel que podría redefinir los estándares competitivos de la MLS. La última ficha en ese tablero tiene nombre propio: Pedro Gallese, el guardameta de 35 años que defiende los colores de Perú y que actualmente milita en Orlando City, clásico rival de las Garzas.

(Tiempo de lectura: 4 minutos)

El terremoto violeta en Argentina: cómo Milei reconfiguró el mapa político y por qué Miami (y USA) prestan tanta atención a este resultado

(Por Taylor & Molina con Maurizio) Miami es mucho más “importante y clave” para Argentina, de lo que muchos creen. El domingo 26 de octubre de 2025 quedará inscrito en la historia política argentina como el día en que el violeta no solo se expandió—se volvió hegemónico. Con precisión quirúrgica, La Libertad Avanza (LLA) ejecutó una maquinaria electoral que arrojó resultados categóricos: 15 provincias conquistadas-

(Tiempo de lectura de valor: 4 minutos)

El contexto hiper competitivo: una MLS que no perdona (cuando fútbol es además real estate, marcas y crossing marketing)

(Por Taylor y Ortega, con Maurizio) Muchas cosas se han vuelto extremadamente competitivas en Miami. La MLS de 2026 no será la misma que recibió a Messi en 2023. La liga ha experimentado una metamorfosis competitiva acelerada: fichajes de alto perfil desde Europa y Sudamérica, inversiones millonarias en academias juveniles, y una infraestructura que cada vez se asemeja más a las grandes ligas del mundo.

(Tiempo de lectura: 4 minutos)