For several years now, Formula 1 has evolved into an ecosystem that merges elements with universal appeal: fashion, speed, glamour, and entertainment. The Paddock has become a lifestyle platform that brings together not only today’s most prominent competitors but also celebrities and brands seeking global visibility. The 2026 Miami Grand Prix, held this past week at Hard Rock Stadium, attracted international personalities to an event that has become a crucial fixture on the global cultural calendar.
© Bradley Collyer - PA ImagesOver the course of three days, Miami turned into the epicenter of racing, transforming into a festival packed with brand activations, major concerts, and high-stakes moments. Powerhouse names like Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Fernando Alonso, Checo Pérez, and the race champion, Kimi Antonelli, electrified the Miami tracks with their skill behind the wheel.
Similarly, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Rafael Nadal, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Hart, Alix Earle, Serena Williams, and Hailey Bieber, among others, captured the cameras and a significant share of media attention during their time at Formula 1.
© Kym IllmanDespite the threat of rain that moved the race start forward, the celebrity presence was massive, reaffirming the Miami GP as one of the most anticipated events of the year.
© Icon Sportswire¡HOLA! had the opportunity to experience much of this celebration of speed firsthand. We attended the exclusive presentation of Charles Leclerc as the new ambassador for Chivas Regal in a private, high-class setting held at a renowned hotel in Miami Beach.
A Luxury Partnership: Charles Leclerc and Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal and Charles Leclerc have signed a partnership that makes the young Monegasque driver a Global Brand Ambassador. Together, they celebrated the launch of Chivas Regal 16 Limited Edition, the first 16-year-old expression in the whisky’s history and the first flagship blend created by the famous racing driver.
After traveling to Scotland to learn about the process firsthand, Leclerc chose his preferred formula and set the final challenge: crafting it as a 16-year-old whisky alongside Chivas Regal Master Blender Sandy Hyslop.
The result is a bold expression built entirely from his vision, centered around the recurring lucky number 16 that has been, and continues to be, a core part of his daily life.
We created a product with a number that means a lot to me, which is 16. I remember the first time I asked for a 16-year-old whisky, they looked at me like, 'What are you talking about, Charles?' and here we are. I’m from October 16, so this is probably the first number you hear when you’re a kid. I mean, I was born on October 16, and it’s the only date I have to remember," we heard him comment exclusively.
The number 16 is also the number he races under for Scuderia Ferrari. "Then, growing up, obviously, it was always like that, and I was always linked to 16. I have memories of using the number 16, whether at the beginning of my career or at other times in my life, so 16 became something important to me. It’s not just 16 years; it’s also 16 different whiskies blended together," Leclerc added.
The gathering with the young driver and the prestigious spirits brand in Miami ahead of the Grand Prix to debut Chivas Regal 16 for the first time flowed into an intimate and exclusive conversation, where they reviewed the steps that made this creation possible.
