Mercedes has officially announced an extraordinary addition to its Formula 1 team, appointing Reid Wiseman, the former NASA astronaut who commanded the Artemis II mission earlier in 2026, as its new ambassador. The American brings experience from one of the most demanding fields of human exploration to the Brackley-based operation, highlighting the strong connections between space travel and motorsport.
In his new role, Reid Wiseman will work closely with the team’s stakeholders, partners, employees and guests, helping to showcase the innovation and high-performance culture that characterise Mercedes’ Formula 1 activities. The appointment also strengthens an existing relationship between the former astronaut and the team, which has developed over recent seasons.
Mercedes welcomes NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman as new F1 ambassador
Mercedes is delighted to welcome Reid Wiseman, believing that his experience will provide a fresh perspective on teamwork, decision-making and resilience in environments where the margin between success and failure is exceptionally small.
As commander of NASA’s Artemis II mission, Reid Wiseman experienced the enormous demands of human space exploration, where meticulous preparation, technical precision and mutual trust are essential. These are qualities that Mercedes also considers fundamental to operating successfully in Formula 1, where teams must consistently perform under intense pressure.
His appointment will allow the Brackley-based team to highlight the similarities between two very different environments that nevertheless share a commitment to innovation, collaboration and pushing the boundaries of performance.
Reid Wiseman explains the similarities between Formula 1 and space exploration
Reid Wiseman acknowledged that he has long recognised the parallels between Formula 1 and space exploration, particularly in the importance of collective effort and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure.
“I’ve always been struck by how much Formula One and space exploration have in common. In both worlds, success is never about one individual. It is built by talented teams solving difficult problems, preparing relentlessly, and trusting one another when the pressure is at its highest.”
The former NASA astronaut also reflected on the relationship he has already developed with Mercedes. Having spent time with the Formula 1 team during recent seasons, Reid Wiseman has gained first-hand experience of the working environment and the values that underpin its achievements.
“I’ve been fortunate to spend time with the Mercedes F1 Team in recent seasons and have seen first-hand the culture, innovation, and determination that drives its success. Becoming an ambassador feels like a natural next step in a relationship that has already become very meaningful to me. I’m excited to work with the team and help tell the story of the people, technology, and mindset behind what they achieve,” Reid Wiseman added.
For Mercedes, the appointment brings together two worlds in which success depends on exceptional preparation, technological innovation and the ability of highly skilled individuals to work towards a common objective. Reid Wiseman’s experience offers the Formula 1 team an opportunity to showcase those shared values through someone who has operated at the highest level of human space exploration.
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