Mercedes hiring a driver clothing manager for Russell, Antonelli
Calling all F1 fans with impeccable sartorial taste. Mercedes is hiring a driver clothing executive to manage George Russell and Kimi Antonelli’s off-track attire. The new role, as Motorsport.com understands, was born out of necessity amid the team’s growing roster of brand partners and the number of ensembles worn by the drivers at appearances throughout each race weekend.
The qualified executive will manage the pair’s personal, fitness, formal, lifestyle and travel wardrobe, along with their highly-photographed paddock walk-in looks. They will also manage the drivers’ outfits at marketing appearances away from the track, from clothing and footwear to accessories. Notably, they will oversee all IWC Schaffhausen inventory, making sure the luxury watches are “used at all marketing engagements.”
According to the job posting, the successful candidate will liaise with Mercedes’ new clothing partner, Adidas, to deliver “looks for collateral shoots, marketing appearances, trackside walk-in looks and activations.” They will also step into a fashion police role should Russell or Antonelli attempt to rock a Nike hoodie or a Cartier watch, as their responsibilities include ensuring the pair refrain from wearing any “competitor brand logos.”
While the incoming rookie and the two-time Grand Prix winner still have the freedom to collaborate with their own stylists, the new executive will work in-house at Mercedes to ensure the driver-appointed outfitters are aligned with the team’s brand partners.
It comes amid a spate of changes set to take effect next year, as the team prepares for a future without Lewis Hamilton. The Ferrari-bound World Champion redefined the relationship between fashion and Formula 1 throughout his lengthy tenure at Mercedes. He will depart alongside long-time sponsor Tommy Hilfiger and clothing partner, Puma, who outfitted the team for 12 years. The two brands will be replaced by Adidas in a deal reportedly worth tens of millions per season.
