Lewis Hamilton and George Russell Celebrate IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG Partnership in Las Vegas

Long-Standing Partnership Since 2004

IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-AMG have been partners since 2004, making their collaboration one of the longest between a Swiss luxury watchmaker and an automotive engineering firm. Before the upcoming F1TM race in Las Vegas, the partners held an exclusive event in the Las Vegas desert. They took over the renowned Speedvegas racetrack and built a temporary “Speed City,” a desert camp and entertainment venue, to mark the occasion. In front of many guests, they celebrated their enduring partnership and mutual passion for performance and design.

Celebrating Collaboration and Design

The similarities and differences in the design processes for cars and watches were key topics in a panel discussion featuring Christian Knoop, Chief Design Officer at IWC Schaffhausen, and Robert Lešnik, Head of Exterior Design at Mercedes-Benz and designer of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé. Interviewed by technology journalist and BBC presenter Lucy Hedges, both experts shared interesting insights into their work as designers in their respective fields.

Insights from Industry Experts

Robert Lešnik explained how design can highlight the technical features of a car and the considerations behind the sporty and emotional look of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé. Christian Knoop gave a detailed insight into IWC’s expertise in chronographs and materials, explaining how these skills combined to develop the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41.

Launch of the New Pilot’s Watch Collection

IWC officially launched the new collection with four performance chronographs in titanium and Ceratanium® the day before the event. After the design discussion, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1TM Team drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell put on an amazing driving performance in the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé. The track action was enhanced by an impressive drone-supported light show, lighting up the night sky above the Las Vegas desert and offering a preview of the upcoming night race in the “City of Lights.”

Engaging Conversations and Reflections

The drivers then joined Lucy Hedges and former F1TM driver and IWC brand ambassador David Coulthard for an engaging discussion, reflecting on the performance and looking ahead to the upcoming night race.

Closing Remarks from CEOs

To conclude the event, Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, and Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1TM Team, took the stage. They looked back on the successful and long-standing collaboration between the companies and shared their memories.

Exploring “Speed City”

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to explore the many attractions at the “Speed City” venue in the Las Vegas desert. They could visit an exhibition by Mercedes-AMG and learn more about the company’s range of performance cars. Additionally, IWC set up a pop-up watch boutique showcasing a curated selection of some of Schaffhausen’s most iconic watches.

YOU ASKED…

What was the highlight of the event?

The highlight of the event was the performance driving show of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell behind the wheel, accompanied by a spectacular drone-supported light show.

Who participated in the panel discussion about design?

Christian Knoop, Chief Design Officer at IWC Schaffhausen, and Robert Lešnik, Head of Exterior Design at Mercedes-Benz, participated in the panel discussion, moderated by technology journalist Lucy Hedges.

What new collection did IWC launch at the event?

IWC launched the new Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 collection, featuring four performance chronographs in titanium and Ceratanium®.

What could guests explore at the “Speed City” venue?

Guests could explore various attractions at the “Speed City” venue, including a Mercedes-AMG performance car exhibition and an IWC pop-up watch boutique with a selection of iconic watches from Schaffhausen.