<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, CEO: Anthony Capuano) held a special talk event and meet & greet on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, welcoming Kimi Antonelli, a driver for the Mercedes AMG-Petronas Formula One Team.

On the day, Yuji Tanaka, Market Vice President for Japan and Guam at Marriott International, took the stage and commented, "Marriott Bonvoy is not just a loyalty program; we believe it is a 'door' to access wonderful experiences around the world. We are deeply honored to welcome Kimi Antonelli of the Mercedes AMG-Petronas Formula One Team today." Following this, a bouquet presentation was held to congratulate Antonelli on his first victory at the Chinese Grand Prix.

This event was held as part of the partnership 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 its partnership has been renewed for 2025 and will continue until December 31, 2030. Under this partnership, Marriott Bonvoy promotes the appeal of traveling to experience global cities, cultures, and excitement through F1, launching a new campaign message, 'The World Is Our Circuit,' to elevate not just race viewing but the travel experience itself into something special.

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

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

As one of the most talked-about young drivers in the racing world, Antonelli took the stage to thunderous applause, and the talk session began in a warm atmosphere.

The conversation started with topics about his visits to Japan and his impressions of the country. Regarding his impression of Japanese fans, Antonelli said, "Japanese fans always welcome me warmly, and I enjoy racing here every year. My time at Suzuka Circuit is particularly memorable during the season, one of the best times."

He also shared insights into the lifestyle of a top-category driver, such as his daily life competing around the world and how he spends his time between races. "After races, sometimes I rest to recover, but I love the time spent celebrating with the team," he said, explaining his life during the busy season and how he spends time with his team members.

Furthermore, he reflected on his first victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, stating, "Winning the race will forever..."