Adidas required assistance with the new Mercedes overalls.

      Adidas has acknowledged the need for specialized assistance to enter the realm of Formula 1 race wear. The renowned German multinational sports brand, which has just become a primary sponsor for Mercedes, is also a newcomer to the Formula 1 scene. In a statement, Adidas highlighted the "race day wear" it will provide for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in 2025, boasting "sport-first, performance cuts."

      However, Michael Bach, the global vice president of Adidas Motorsport, admitted during the unveiling of the new gear on Thursday that the brand required support for the new overalls adorned with the signature three stripes. "We have a background in footwear and apparel, but we haven't collaborated with a Formula 1 team in this way before," he told Soy Motor. "This is a very specialized area because it's not only about designing the team’s apparel but also the racing outfits."

      To create the new 'Adidas' F1 race overalls for Mercedes, Bach revealed that they needed the expertise of an established race equipment supplier, OMP. "We engaged a suit supplier due to the limited time we had, as the homologation process can take months or even years," he explained. "We want to start off with an excellent suit, and for that, we have a great supplier. We will work with them on crucial aspects like breathability, safety, mobility, and materials. It’s very specific and requires extensive knowledge," Bach elaborated.

      Despite the challenges, he asserted that it is the "right time" for Adidas to enter Formula 1 due to its increasing popularity and more varied audience. "It's captivating to see how everything has evolved—it’s becoming a part of pop culture, which resonates with us, combining sport and culture. The management in Formula 1 is making the right moves, as we, as a brand, are becoming attracted to it. We aim to establish ourselves as a reputable brand in motorsport," he stated.

      Meanwhile, teenage rookie Antonelli expressed his excitement about wearing Adidas this year instead of the Puma and Tommy Hilfiger brands from 2024. "This is a significant upgrade from what we've had in recent years," the young Italian told Bild newspaper. "I've completely overhauled my wardrobe. My mother is quite frustrated as she doesn’t know where to put all the new items."