<Event Report> Marriott International Hosts Talk Event and Meet & Greet with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team's Rising Star Kimi Antonelli

Marriott International (Headquarters: Maryland, USA; President and CEO: Anthony Capuano) hosted a special talk event and meet & greet with Kimi Antonelli, a driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, at the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

On the day of the event, Yuji Tanaka, Market Vice President for Japan and Guam at Marriott International, took the stage and commented, "We believe Marriott Bonvoy is not just a loyalty program, but a 'door' that provides access to wonderful experiences around the world. We are deeply honored to welcome Kimi Antonelli, a driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, today." Following this, a bouquet was presented at the venue to celebrate Antonelli's first victory at the Chinese Grand Prix.

This event was held as part of the partnership initiatives between Marriott International's travel program, 'Marriott Bonvoy,' and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Marriott Bonvoy has served as the team's "Official Hotel Loyalty Partner" since 2019, and in 2025, the partnership was renewed and is set to continue until December 31, 2030. Under this partnership, Marriott Bonvoy promotes the appeal of travel that allows guests to experience global cities, cultures, and excitement through F1, launching a new campaign message, "The World Is Our Circuit," and developing initiatives that elevate travel itself into a special experience, beyond just watching races.

During the talk session, Kimi Antonelli, a driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, spoke about his challenges as a driver, his lifestyle of traveling around the world, his pre- and post-race routines, and a message to Japanese fans. He also shared insights into his collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy and anecdotes from hotel photoshoots, keeping the venue buzzing with excitement throughout.

■Kimi Antonelli Shares His Thoughts on Japan and Lifestyle as an F1 Driver

When Antonelli, one of the most watched young drivers in the racing world, took the stage, he was greeted with thunderous applause, and the talk session began in a warm atmosphere.

The talk began with topics about his visit to Japan and his impressions of the country. Antonelli spoke about his impression of Japanese fans, saying, "Japanese fans always welcome me warmly, and I enjoy racing every year. My time at Suzuka Circuit is particularly memorable and one of the best times of the season."

He also discussed the lifestyle of a top-category driver, including his daily routine of traveling around the world as an F1 driver and how he spends his time between races. He said, "After a race, I sometimes rest to recover, but I love the time I spend celebrating with the team," sharing insights into his busy life during the season and how he spends time with team members.

Furthermore, he reflected on his first victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, saying, "Winning is forever..."