German sportswear giant Adidas is set to make its mark in Formula 1 through a newly announced multi-year partnership with the Mercedes F1 team. This deal will provide the team with cutting-edge apparel and footwear, ushering in a new era following the departure of racing legend Lewis Hamilton. The collaboration was officially unveiled on Tuesday.
Transitioning to a new era for Mercedes F1
Previously, Puma had been the kit supplier for Mercedes, a relationship that spanned several successful seasons, including the team’s fourth-place finish in the 2023 championship, the final year of Hamilton’s tenure with the team. In 2025, Hamilton, who celebrated his 40th birthday on Tuesday, will race for Ferrari, marking the end of an era for Mercedes.
The Adidas partnership had been anticipated for months, fueled by media reports and the circulation of leaked images showcasing branded team apparel last year.
Adidas kit for fans and drivers
As part of the agreement, Mercedes has revealed that the new Adidas-designed kit will be available to the public. Limited-edition merchandise will be released throughout the year, including a range of apparel, footwear, and accessories. The highly anticipated collection will be officially revealed in February ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, which kicks off in Australia on March 16.
“We are excited to announce this partnership with Adidas as we embark on a new chapter,” said Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1’s team principal. “It’s a clear statement of our intent as we move forward.”
New faces and fresh beginnings
As Mercedes moves into the post-Hamilton era, the team has made significant changes to its driver lineup. The 18-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli, a rising star, will replace Hamilton and team up with George Russell for the 2025 season.
Additionally, Mercedes continues its fashion-brand partnerships, with last season's tie-up with luxury brand Tommy Hilfiger, a brand closely associated with Hamilton, marking another step in the team’s ongoing blend of high performance and style.