I was fortunate enough to have some time to chat with Lewis about how he’ll be using BBM Channels to connect with his fans and the source of his ambition and drive for greatness. Check out my brief video interview with him below:

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

In the interview Lewis talked about how the team is always looking forward to new technologies in social media that allow them to connect to their fans. Fans are a big source of inspiration and with BBM channels, he’ll be able to connect with them in a new and highly engaged way.

BBM Channels allows individuals and groups to create a dedicated channel and share information and updates with the immediacy that BBM offers. BBM customers around the world will be able to connect and share information, broadcast about themselves to their channel, or join their favorite communities and share their experiences of the channel with their BBM contacts.

I then had the chance to talk with Nick Fry about synergies between the BlackBerry and MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS brands and how to manage a large team in mission critical operations. BlackBerry is helping the team harness the power of every individual on the team, something that Fry says is essential.

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

How will you connect with the brands and celebrities you’re passionate about on BBM Channels? Let us know your thoughts below and be sure to check out the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team BBM channel.

BlackBerry is kicking off the Formula One™ season in style as the Official Mobile Computing Partner of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Over the last few days, the team has been on the track practicing, meeting with the press, and of course using their new BlackBerry Z10 smartphones. They’re also celebrating the launch of BlackBerry 10 in Australia. The timing couldn’t be better! Check out this video to get your motor revving:

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

On top of the marketing initiatives, we’re also focused on the technical side. We will be working very closely with the team to integrate our technology with the car, the drivers and the crew as they ‘Keep Moving’ throughout the season.

Those of you who read the Inside BlackBerry Blog know that I’m completely obsessed with all things automotive and I’m a huge fan of motor sports, so “excited” doesn’t begin to describe how I feel about this partnership. You’ll be able to follow all the BlackBerry Racing action at BlackBerry.com/racing, where you’ll find a photo stream, race schedule, and exclusive footage for fans.

Are you checking out the race this week? Be sure to root for BlackBerry and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One team and wish them luck in the comments below.