Hamilton and Mercedes light up Fifth Avenue!

©Mercedes

Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton – supported by team partner WhatsApp – staged a spectacular takeover of Fifth Avenue in New York City on Monday.

The seven-time World Champion revved up the excitement as he slipped into the driver's seat of his 2021 W12 and indulged in the first-ever live demonstration of an F1 car on the streets of Manhattan.

Amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling cityscape, Hamilton didn’t mess around as he unleashed the full fury of his championship winning beast and showcased the adrenaline-fueled thrills of Formula 1 to fans in the heart of the Big Apple.

With smoke swirling and rubber burning, the crowd erupted in exhilaration as the Briton skillfully executed a series of burnouts and donuts that ramped up the excitement.

"That was epic!” commented Hamilton. “It has always been a dream of mine to drive an F1 car down Fifth Avenue in New York City.

“Seeing the crowds and everyone's excitement was awesome. To do something like this, when you think about the incredible history of this city, is incredible!”

©Mercedes

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.