#F1 #Mercedes #Petronas - Media Alert: Team Celebrates with PETRONAS as F1 Returns to Malaysia

 

Press Information 30 September 2026

 
F1: Partner Event
 
Media Alert: Team Celebrates with PETRONAS as F1 Returns to Malaysia

• Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff, along with race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, visited PETRONAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today (30 September) ahead of F1's return to Malaysia this weekend.
• Several events celebrated one of the longest-standing and most successful partnerships in the sport before the team races at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia.
• Toto, George, and Kimi marked the occasion with several events with our Title and Technical Partner.
  

Ahead of the return of F1 to Malaysia this weekend, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team visited the headquarters of PETRONAS, its Title and Technical Partner, in Kuala Lumpur today (30 September).
 
Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff was joined by race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, along with Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord for a series of activities celebrating the innovation and collaboration that continues to drive performance on and off track, whilst also celebrating F1's return to racing action in Malaysia this weekend.
 
The trio visited the PETRONAS Twin Towers, meeting employees and experiencing first-hand the innovation, research and technological expertise that underpin PETRONAS' contribution to one of the most successful partnerships in F1 history.
 
Datuk Seri Sazali Hamzah, PETRONAS' Executive Vice President of Downstream Business, was then joined on stage by Toto to highlight the success of PETRONAS' advanced sustainable fuel, which has now powered the team to 11 Grand Prix victories in 2026 so far, in front of assembled international media.
 
George and Kimi visited PETRONAS' 'From Track To You Returns' fanzone experience meanwhile, which opens to the public from Thursday through Sunday at Plaza PETRONAS, KLCC, and will bring fans closer to the team, the sport and the technology that powers performance on track.
 
The day's events were concluded with a special light show at the PETRONAS Twin Towers, delivered in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and adidas, celebrating the return of F1 to Malaysia and the shared pursuit of innovation, performance and progress.
 
Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, said: "Coming to Kuala Lumpur and spending time with our colleagues at PETRONAS is always special. They are not simply a partner of our team; they are a fundamental part of it. Every lap we complete and every result we achieve is built on years of collaboration, innovation and shared ambition.
 
"What we have achieved together with PETRONAS extends far beyond racing though. Our partnership demonstrates what is possible when talented people come together to solve difficult problems, push the limits of technology and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in science, engineering and innovation.
 
"The return of F1 to Malaysia this weekend is also something that will excite many people across the country and beyond. The passion for our sport here is extraordinary and it is important that we take opportunities like this to connect directly with the fans, employees and communities that support us."

 
George Russell commented: "Whenever we visit Malaysia, we're reminded of just how passionate the fans are. You can feel how much F1 means to people here and that's what makes this week's celebrations so special.
 
"The return of a Grand Prix to Sepang is a fantastic opportunity to inspire young people and showcase the technology, teamwork and ambition that sits behind our sport. Hopefully the fans who visit this week leave feeling even more connected to our sport and what makes it so exciting."
 
Kimi Antonelli said: "This is only my fourth visit to Malaysia with the team, and it's once again been incredible to experience the energy here. Everyone I've met has been so welcoming and passionate about the sport.
 
"It has also been really interesting to learn more about PETRONAS and see the innovation that supports our performance as a team. As a driver, you always appreciate how many talented people contribute to every result on track. That is particularly the case this year where PETRONAS' advanced sustainable fuel has been such an integral part of our success on track."
 
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and PETRONAS have worked together since 2010, creating one of the most successful partnerships in sport. Together, we have achieved multiple World Championships while continuing to develop advanced fuel and fluid technologies that deliver performance on track and valuable innovation beyond F1.

 

 
About Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team
 
Mercedes was born to race - and we've been doing it since 1901. Today, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team competes at the pinnacle of motorsport: the FIA Formula One World Championship.
 
The pioneering spirit of our company founders lives on in our commitment to innovation and performance. As the world's original automobile manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has defined the cutting edge of technology for over a century. Today, our F1 team exists to demonstrate the best of the brand's performance on the global stage.
 
Based in Brackley and Brixworth, UK, over 2,000 committed team members work with a singular mission: to win the world championship. From 2014 to 2021, we secured a record eight consecutive Constructors' Championships, and we are hungry for more.
 
Our journey is not just about performance on the track; we also strive to make a positive impact on the world and inspire future generations. We are proud signatories of the Climate Pledge, and we are leading the way in building a more sustainable and inclusive sport.

#F1 #news - Joshua Dürksen Completes Maiden F1 Test, Makes History for Paraguay: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

 

Press Information 22 September 2026

 
F1: Announcement
 
Joshua Dürksen Completes Maiden F1 Test, Makes History for Paraguay

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Development Driver Joshua Dürksen with engineer Austin O'Brien.

• Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Development Driver Joshua Dürksen has completed his first Formula One test.
• The 22-year-old completed a two-day at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal.
• Dürksen drove the team's race-winning W16 E Performance from the 2025 season.
• Joshua becomes the first Paraguayan affiliated to an F1 team to test a modern day F1 car, marking a historic moment for Paraguayan motorsport and another significant step in Joshua's career.
• Imagery from the test is available for download from our media site here with rights-free broadcast footage being made available in the coming weeks.

Joshua Dürksen has reached a landmark moment in his motorsport journey by completing his maiden Formula One test at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal.
 
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Development Driver undertook a two-day programme behind the wheel of the team's race-winning W16 E Performance from the 2025 season, gaining invaluable experience as he continues his progression up the motorsport ladder.
 
The test represents not only a significant personal achievement for the 22-year-old, but also an historic moment for his home nation. Joshua became the first Paraguayan driver to officially be part of an F1 team's programme earlier this year; he now becomes the first to person from his country to drive a modern Formula One car, breaking new ground for Paraguayan motorsport.
 
Across two productive days in Portugal, Joshua worked closely with the team's engineers across a comprehensive programme focused on systems understanding and performance runs, while building his experience of F1 machinery. He completed 187 laps, totalling 875 kilometres, equivalent to nearly three total Grand Prix distances.
 
Joshua said: "This is a day, and a week, that I will remember for the rest of my life. Driving a Formula One car for the first time is something every young driver dreams about, and to do that as the first Paraguayan to reach this milestone makes it even more special.
 
"I am incredibly grateful to Mercedes for the opportunity and for the trust they have placed in me. So many people have supported me throughout my journey, from my family and sponsors to everyone back home in Paraguay who has followed my career and believed in me.
 
"Getting behind the wheel of the W16 was an unbelievable experience. The performance, the braking, the cornering speeds: everything is on another level. I learned a huge amount over the two days and enjoyed every lap. I hope this moment can inspire young people in Paraguay to believe that they can compete on the world stage too."
 
Bradley Lord, Deputy Team Principal commented: "It's always a special moment when a young driver gets their first experience of an F1 car and Joshua has done an excellent job throughout this test.
 
"He approached the programme with maturity, professionalism and a real desire to learn. Over the two days he worked effectively with the engineering team, developed his confidence progressively and delivered exactly what we were hoping to see from him. This is an important step in his development, and he should be proud of what he has achieved, not only for himself but also for his country."
 
Joshua has progressed through the junior motorsport ranks and firmly established himself in Formula 2, securing multiple victories and podium finishes while consistently competing at the front of the field.
 
The Portimão test marks the latest step in his career. Alongside his Formula 2 campaign, he continues his Development Driver responsibilities with the team, supporting simulator development and engineering activities.

#F1 #mercedes #Texas - Mercedes F1 to Take Over Downtown Austin with Landmark Free Fan Hub: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

 

Press Information 21 September 2026

 
F1: Fan Activation
 
Media Alert: Mercedes F1 to Take Over Downtown Austin with Landmark Free Fan Hub

• Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team will bring its immersive fan hub to the heart of downtown Austin during the United States Grand Prix week.
• Designed to bring fans closer to the world of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team than ever before, the experience recreates the atmosphere, energy and environment of a modern F1 team and its exclusive garage.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is bringing its leading F1 experience to Austin this October, giving fans the opportunity to get closer to the sport than ever before outside the circuit.
 
Located in the heart of downtown Austin (400 Congress Avenue) during the United States Grand Prix week (22nd - 25th October), the Mercedes F1 fan hub will provide an immersive environment inspired by the world of F1 and the team itself.
 
The experience is entirely free and brings fans closer to the atmosphere, excitement and behind-the-scenes reality of a Grand Prix weekend, inviting them to truly discover what it's like to be part of the world-championship leading F1 team.
 
Experiences include:

• the opportunity to be a pitstop mechanic on a real F1 car
• the ability to put your driving skills to the test on cutting-edge F1 simulators
• exploring the world of individualisation with Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR and see the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé on display
• experience the pit wall with the 'Trackside with Meta AI' activation
• get up close and personal with historic team memorabilia
• take a picture with a 2026 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team show car
• participate in giveaways each day
• buy official team merchandise from the team's on-site store
• enjoy local music acts and Texan cuisine from local food vendors as part of a true F1 tailgate experience

As F1's popularity continues to grow across the United States, the Mercedes F1 fan hub offers Austin residents and visitors a rare opportunity to experience the culture, technology and atmosphere of one of the world's most successful sporting teams beyond the confines of the race circuit.
 
Victoria Johnson, Chief Marketing Operations Officer for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, said: "The United States is one of F1's most passionate and fast-growing markets, and Austin has become one of the sport's most iconic destinations. With the Mercedes F1 Fan Hub, we wanted to create something that goes beyond a traditional fan experience and brings people closer to the team than ever before. From experiencing the intensity of a pit stop to exploring the technology, innovation and culture that define our team, this is an opportunity for fans to step inside our world. We're excited to bring the energy of a Grand Prix week into the heart of downtown Austin and create a place where fans can come together to celebrate their shared passion for our team and our sport."
 
The Mercedes F1 fan hub activation made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK earlier this year and will also head to Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November.
 
 
About Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team
 
Mercedes was born to race - and we've been doing it since 1901. Today, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team competes at the pinnacle of motorsport: the FIA Formula One World Championship.
 
The pioneering spirit of our company founders lives on in our commitment to innovation and performance. As the world's original automobile manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has defined the cutting edge of technology for over a century. Today, our F1 team exists to demonstrate the best of the brand's performance on the global stage.
 
Based in Brackley and Brixworth, UK, over 2,000 committed team members work with a singular mission: to win the world championship. From 2014 to 2021, we secured a record eight consecutive Constructors' Championships, and we are hungry for more.
 
Our journey is not just about performance on the track; we also strive to make a positive impact on the world and inspire future generations. We are proud signatories of the Climate Pledge, and we are leading the way in building a more sustainable and inclusive sport.