Every Formula One Grand Prix has its unique offerings off the track – in Monaco, it’s superyachts. The anticipated race weekend gives visitors the chance to take a deep dive into the best of the Principality, from star-studded soirees to superyacht viewing parties. Every year, the marina is lined with around 100 boats, with many more at anchor. This year, one particular vessel stood out, Evrima. The first launch from the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima was chartered by Mercedes and used as a ‘floating hotel’ base for its team, partners and VIP guests, as well as special guests of Marriott International, with whom Mercedes partnered to create a special F1 experience for the race weekend.
While onboard during the Grand Prix, I met with Toto Wolff, CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, to discuss details of the collaboration as well as the unique features of the much-loved – and feared – Monaco circuit.
What are your first impressions of Evrima?
Toto Wolff: I don’t think I would go on a cruise ship, but this is something different. This is so much more of a private yacht with big dimensions. I understand now why friends of mine that have been on Evrima speak so highly about it. I’m also absolutely obsessed with details and I couldn’t find anything wrong which, considering this is on the sea with salt and in sun, is spectacular.
Luxury hospitality goes hand-in-hand with Formula 1. Please talk us through the Mercedes collaboration with Evrima during the 2024 Monaco F1 Grand Prix.
What we have done as a team here with Ritz-Carlton and Marriott is believable. This is a new level of delivery and customer experience. Especially when you combine that with the things that we’re doing in the port – we have 20 tenders shuttling in and out so whatever you feel like doing, whether it’s going for a swim in Antibes or shopping or to the race track, you can do that.
We tried to design a program that either allows you to chill on the boat and enjoy that experience or dive in and out of the crazy scene in Monte Carlo.
From our boat in the harbor, you’re on the track and you see the cars coming out of the tunnel super fast – more than 300km an hour – into a chicane where the cars jump a lot, and then acceleration. We’ve also got the apartment where you’re upstairs looking down on the main street, and the lodges which are opposite the garages.
