On 19th July, a group of excited teens came to Helen & Douglas House for their Network Saturday’s session – a youth group run monthly for the teens and young people to support them with socialisation, confidence and helping them find long lasting friendships. Only this Saturday, the group would be joined by some rather special guests – team members from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and a magician!
F1 Fun
The excitement started outside in the car park where – despite the rain and grey clouds – the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s replica W16 show car was parked opposite the entrance doors. And while it was parked underneath a gazebo, it still looked just as impressive.
As the teens rolled in with their families in tow, you could see the excitement on their faces, and they were all keen to join the Mercedes F1 team members who were waiting with replica components and driver kit that included helmets, suits, gloves and boots to show to the young people. The team were incredible – letting the teens touch and try on the replicas, pose for photos and answer the many questions the young people had. They even took it in good spirits when one of the teens turned up in an orange Mclaren top with Norris emblazed on the back and, sensing he was a bit of an F1 fan, made lots of jokes with him and shared their acknowledgement that the team had been doing rather well so far this year.
Food and games
Soon it was time for lunch which was the Network Saturday’s staple of a fry up with all the trimmings. The volunteers helped serve up and soon everyone was sitting chatting about all the things from F1, to favourite things to do before the post lunch games began. The Mercedes F1 team members took all of this in their stride, with some even getting beaten by the teens in a tense game of UNO. It was clear to see that even after a few hours together, both the team members and the young people were firm friends, laughing and joking with one another.
Q & A
Next up was a Q&A in a formation that more resembled a press conference; the Mercedes F1 team members on one side and the teens, volunteers, Emma and Jane on the other. Questions ranged from what their favourite track is, to what cars they own, and how expensive an F1 car is (to give you a clue, it’s VERY expensive!). There were also questions about the very popular Netflix show ‘Drive to Survive’ and the new F1 movie, to which one of the team members shared that they had shaken hands with Brad Pitt himself. Even Emma – who confessed earlier on that morning she wasn’t that into F1 – became a convert by the afternoon.
Let the magic begin
After the Q&A came some more magic, this time from Josh who came in and had everyone gob smacked with his impressive card tricks and illusions –even leaving one of the Mercedes F1 team members in complete awe. Trick by trick, everyone was left wondering one moment, and in stunned silence the next. It was an incredible show!
After a wonderful afternoon of cars, card tricks, questions and brunch, it was time for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to say their goodbyes. But not before giving the teens some incredible gift bags which included Lego sets and Mercedes merch. Josh also left after one more mind-bending numbers trick which had the whole room in amazement.
The magic of a great partnership
It was an incredible day; the room was buzzing with chatter and excitement, the food made by the catering team was delicious as always and most importantly, lasting memories were made. Everyone was left with huge smiles on their faces and lots of memories made with one teen saying, “it was incredible!”
We’d like to say a massive thank you to Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team who captured the teens’ imagination and attention right from the start and were so wonderful to spend the day with. We’re so grateful for your support and for your team members giving their time to provide the teens with an unforgettable experience. We’d also like to thank Josh, the magician who had us all speechless with his amazing tricks. Also, to our volunteers and catering team – thank you as always for making the day extra special with your enthusiasm. It means so much to the teens to have experiences like this.
