Mercedes F1 extend IWC partnership

The Mercedes Formula 1 team has confirmed the extension of its partnership with watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen for a further three years.

The Swiss watch manufacturer became the Official Engineering Partner of the team in 2013 and has now confirmed its commitment until the end of the 2018 season.

With the link between IWC Schaffhausen and AMG, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, dating back to 2004, and with the team’s drivers, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, being ‘Friends of the Brand’, this new agreement further reinforces the strong ties and passion for precision engineering that exist between the two partners.

Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, Toto Wolff, commented:  “We are delighted to have extended our partnership with IWC Schaffhausen for a further three years and to have the opportunity to continue to work closely with such a prestigious brand.

“Our shared passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering through technical innovation and design are the perfect match for IWC, Mercedes and our sport of Formula 1. We look forward to working in close collaboration with IWC in the years to come and to further contributing to the development of their innovative and beautiful timepieces.”

Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, said: “We and the Mercedes  Formula 1 Team’s engineers and designers are linked by a common passion for outstanding engineering, skilled craftsmanship and innovation. With the team’s drivers, we share a desire to deliver ultimate precision and unmatched performance.

“Lewis and Nico are not only unique personalities and incredibly successful sportsmen but also very creative. They were both immediately very interested in the idea of launching two limited special edition watches. I’m confident that these unusual timepieces will be equally popular with motorsport enthusiasts and watch connoisseurs.”