Mercedes has unveiled special purple Formula 1 race suits for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to wear at the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix, marking a new chapter in the team’s global partnership with Brazilian financial technology company Nubank. The striking design incorporates the colours of Nubank Ultravioleta and forms part of a wider campaign celebrating Formula 1’s return to Brazil.
The initiative also includes an immersive Mercedes experience for fans, featuring a replica of the W17 Formula 1 car, historic memorabilia, racing simulators and pit stop challenges. Running alongside the Brazilian Grand Prix, the campaign aims to connect the precision and high-performance environment of Formula 1 with Nubank Ultravioleta’s premium financial services.
Mercedes unveils special purple race suits for 2026 Brazilian GP
Mercedes will adopt a distinctive new appearance for the São Paulo Grand Prix, with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli wearing special purple race suits inspired by the identity of Nubank Ultravioleta.
The design highlights the global partnership between Mercedes and Nubank, whose latest campaign focuses on connecting the world of elite motorsport with the benefits offered to the financial institution’s higher-income customers.
Nubank Ultravioleta is presented as a comprehensive banking account designed to manage customers’ financial needs, allowing them to enjoy life more fully and with fewer complications.
The campaign draws parallels between the advanced technology, precision and teamwork required in Formula 1 and the support that Nubank aims to provide through its premium banking services.
Nubank explains its partnership with Mercedes Formula 1 team
Mariana Moraes, Nubank’s head of marketing, explained the thinking behind the campaign and why the partnership with Mercedes provides a suitable platform for promoting the Ultravioleta brand.
“F1 is a sport that demands advanced technology, precision and a first-class team that ensures everything is ready for the drivers to perform at their best, just as our customers can rely on Nubank Ultravioleta,” Mariana Moraes said when presenting the campaign.
“We also use cutting-edge technology, precision and 24/7 support to ensure that our customers’ financial lives are in the best possible hands.”
The Nubank marketing executive emphasised that the company’s relationship with Mercedes extends beyond traditional sponsorship, reflecting the importance of providing support behind the scenes.
“Our partnership with the Mercedes F1 team is a way of bringing this vision for Nubank Ultravioleta to life: just as a high-performance team works behind the scenes so that a driver can focus on the race, we take care of the entire financial journey and anticipate our customers’ needs.”
Patrick Dempsey joins Mercedes drivers in Nubank campaign
The promotional campaign began on 27 October and is being distributed through local television broadcasters, pay-TV channels, digital platforms, streaming services and social media.
Additional promotional activities are also taking place at São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport, extending the campaign’s visibility during the Brazilian Grand Prix period.
The initiative features behind-the-scenes content with actor Patrick Dempsey, alongside Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Their participation expands the reach of the partnership across several channels, connecting the brand with Formula 1 audiences and the wider public.
For Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the Brazilian weekend comes shortly after his historic 2026 Formula 1 world championship triumph in Mexico, adding further attention to Mercedes’ activities ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Mercedes W17 on display at Nubank House in São Paulo
Beyond the promotional campaign and special race suits, Nubank is organising an immersive experience dedicated to Mercedes and its Formula 1 operations during the Brazilian Grand Prix.
From 4 to 8 November, Nubank House at Nubank Parque will host an official replica of the Mercedes W17 E Performance, alongside historic items, driving simulators and interactive pit stop challenges.
The experience is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors, offering fans an opportunity to explore different aspects of the Mercedes Formula 1 team away from the circuit.
The activities are taking place during the build-up to the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos, one of the most anticipated sporting events in Brazil.
With the special race suits and activities surrounding Nubank House, the partnership aims to bring the Mercedes brand closer to Brazilian Formula 1 supporters.
The campaign’s message captures the combination of Nubank’s identity and Mercedes’ latest Formula 1 initiative: “Welcome to the Nu era.”
Photos: Mercedes’ special purple race suits for Brazilian GP
George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will wear the special purple suits during the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend, replacing their usual race suit colours with a design celebrating the partnership with Nubank Ultravioleta.
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