Formula One motor-racing team Mercedes has renewed its partnership with hospitality chain Marriott International.
The partnership will focus on the new Marriott Bonvoy travel programme and has been signed ahead of this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The length of the agreement was not disclosed.
Marriott Bonvoy becomes the team’s official hotel loyalty program, while The Ritz-Carlton, one of Marriott’s luxury brands, has been named Mercedes’ first-ever Official Hotel Partner.
The Marriott Bonvoy and Ritz-Carlton logos will appear on the racing suits of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Marriott Bonvoy will also be Mercedes’ first partner brand on the car’s halo.
The Ritz-Carlton will also bring its service to the team’s premium at-track VIP hospitality space, the Silver Arrows Lounge, which will become The Ritz-Carlton Silver Arrows Lounge in select markets.
Other marketing initiatives will see Marriott Bonvoy and The Ritz-Carlton bring the partnership to life through social media, in-room television and Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, the company’s digital magazine.
Marriott Bonvoy members will also be able to bid for a range of money-can’t-buy experiences, including a night on a luxury yacht during the Monaco Grand Prix, a chauffeur experience with Hamilton and Bottas, and a drive around an F1 track in a Mercedes car.
Other perks for members will include behind-the-scenes access with the team on grand prix weekends for the ‘ultimate fan selfie’.
Marriott has been a partner of the team for seven years.