Mercedes together with WhatsApp has prepared a documentary titled ‘The Seat’, which will release on Nextflix in May regarding Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s selection.
Today, WhatsApp, the world’s leading private messaging service, and the MercedesAMG PETRONAS F1 Team announce a new documentary on Netflix entitled “The Seat”: an inside look into the private WhatsApp calls and chats that led to a once-in-a-generation driver change in Mercedes and F1 history.
The 45-minute documentary, premiering May 5 on Netflix, reveals the private conversations that led the Mercedes team and Toto Wolff, its Team Principal & CEO, to its decision to promote 18-year-old Italianborn Kimi Antonelli to a Formula 1 Driver, making him the third-youngest rookie in the sport’s history. “The Seat” explores in real time one of the most pivotal moments in the team’s history, which shocked the world upon announcement last August.
Viewers are given intimate access into Antonelli’s mental and physical preparation in the lead up to his first Formula 1 season with Mercedes – currently developing in real time. The documentary showcases the rigorous process that Antonelli endured, with peeks into his personal life, including his Italian roots and the unwavering support of his close-knit family, which plays a crucial role in his journey and success.
Directed by Kyle Thrash, “The Seat” is an unprecedented inside look into the inner workings of the Mercedes team, offering an exclusive look at the private conversations on WhatsApp that shaped this monumental decision. From behind-the-scenes discussions to critical updates, the messaging platform serves as an essential tool that plays a pivotal role in driving the team’s success.
“Selecting Kimi as our race driver for 2025 was, as ‘The Seat’ documents, a big decision. WhatsApp played an instrumental role in this. It was the engine that kept everything moving smoothly and privately, allowing our team to focus on Kimi’s development, discuss progress, and ultimately communicate our choice. We’re excited to give F1 fans around the world a unique insight into the process, showing how we arrived at this pivotal moment in the team’s history.” – TOTO WOLFF, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team.
“It is a dream come true to be an F1 Driver with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Throughout the process, Toto, the team, and I were in constant communication on WhatsApp and the ‘The Seat’ shows this process from start to finish. I can’t wait for the world to join us on this journey streaming the documentary on Netflix.” – KIMI ANTONELLI, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Race Driver + Star of ‘The Seat’.
“We are excited to bring users one step closer to the inner workings of a sport they love. This story and the WhatsApp messages within them really uncover the journey Mercedes took in navigating this pivotal moment in their history. We have always known WhatsApp, and the privacy we afford users, is integral to the inner workings of Mercedes in addition to being a tool in connecting drivers, fans, everyone really to those closest to them. It’s why this has been an organic partnership and why we knew we could tell this story authentically and delight this worldwide fandom.” – VIVIAN ODIOR, Global Head of Marketing at WhatsApp.
“The Seat” was executive produced by WhatsApp, Modern Arts and RadicalMedia.
Here’s Andrea Kimi Antonelli on help from Valtteri Bottas
Here’s Mercedes pair on bad Saudi Arabia race
[The story is as per press release]
