Join us behind the scenes of Formula 1: our reporters were present at every Grand Prix in 2025, including in Japan. We write about our experiences not only online, but also in our magazine. Part 3 of 24: André Venema on pillows.
Japan is one of my favorite races on the calendar. Since I first visited the country in 2014 for the World Sprint Speed Skating Championships in Nagano, I was immediately captivated. Stepping into Japan, even now, is like entering a different world. A world where, I believe, everyone would feel at home.
Unity, humility, respect, discipline, an unparalleled work ethic, and social skills are core values in Japanese culture. I don’t think any other country in the world is as service-oriented. It’s almost the exact opposite of, let’s say and if I may generalize, the Netherlands. Everyone in Japan is helpful and patient, you never feel unsafe. No loud phone conversations on the train or music in stores, clean streets. There wasn’t even security at the merchandise shop in the GP Square. Simply because it’s assumed that no one would steal anything.
Of course, Japan is not perfect. It has its quirks, especially for Europeans, and sometimes they’re in the small things. Like the size of the average hotel room, a colleague once called them shoeboxes, and pillows. Pillows in Japan are almost always rock hard and thin. It doesn’t bother me, though, as I always bring my own pillow.
Not everyone does that. I once heard a story that Mercedes had brought separate pillows for all the staff in the hotels for the Japan GP. Brilliant, the person who thought of that deserves a pat on the back. It also says a lot about Mercedes, that they think of such trivial matters for their staff. It truly is a top team in every respect.
