A peek at Formula 1 teams and their incredible watch sponsors

Formula 1 is all about precision, speed, and performance. Naturally, the world of luxury watchmaking has intertwined with F1, with top-tier brands collaborating with racing teams to create some of the most amazing and tech-lade timepieces ever. Let’s dive deeper into the collaborations between Formula 1 teams and their watch sponsors, exploring the details of the timepieces involved.

Red Bull Racing & TAG Heuer

Red Bull Racing has a longstanding relationship with Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer. This partnership brings together TAG Heuer’s legacy of high-performance watches and Red Bull Racing’s cutting-edge engineering. A standout model is the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph. This watch featured a 43mm stainless steel case, a tachymeter scale, and a date window. It’s a popular choice for Red Bull drivers like Max Verstappen, who wear it both on and off the track.

McLaren & Richard Mille

McLaren and Richard Mille’s collaboration represents the fusion of luxury and performance in the world of Formula 1. Richard Mille is known for creating ultra-light, innovative timepieces using materials like titanium and a low-density alloy, which are also used in the aerospace and automotive industries. One key model from this partnership is the Richard Mille RM 11-03 Flyback Chronograph. This timepiece features a flyback chronograph function, allowing for rapid resetting and starting of the chronograph, making it ideal for motorsport timing. With a bold design, the RM 11-03 also includes a date display, a 60-minute counter, and a power reserve indicator, all housed within a striking skeletonised dial. McLaren drivers like Lando Norris wear this cutting-edge watch, which balances avant-garde design with extreme durability.

Scuderia Ferrari & Richard Mille

One of the highlights of the Ferrari & Richard Mille partnership is the Richard Mille The RM 43-01 Ferrari combines Ferrari's design philosophy with Richard Mille's high-performance craftsmanship. The lightweight titanium case is both durable and resistant to wear, finished in Ferrari's iconic red, black, and white colours. A sapphire crystal offers a clear view of the intricate movement, while providing scratch resistance. Also equipped with a flyback chronograph, it has ane openworked dial that showcases the mechanical complexity, with luminescent markers for legibility and a tachymeter scale for measuring speed. Powered by an automatic movement, it offers a 50-hour power reserve.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas & IWC Schaffhausen

IWC Schaffhausen’s partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas has resulted in the IWC Pilot’s Chronograph 41. This timepiece features a 41mm stainless steel case with a black dial and Petronas’ green hour markers and a rubber strap of th esame shade. The Pilot’s Chronograph 41 includes a chronograph function, a date display, and a small seconds sub-dial. Designed with aviation-inspired aesthetics, the watch is water-resistant up to 60 metres and is powered by IWC’s in-house automatic movement.

Aston Martin & Girard-Perregaux

Aston Martin’s partnership with Girard-Perregaux brings a sense of elegance and sophistication to the F1 world. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph is an excellent representation of this collaboration. This watch stands out with its octagonal-shaped case, is crafted from lightweight titanium, and wears a gorgeous green colour contrasted by yellow details. As the name suggests, it has a chronograph function, including a date display and a 30-minute counter.

Alpine & H. Moser & Cie

Alpine’s collaboration with H. Moser & Cie is a newer but exciting partnership, one that brings the artistry of Swiss watchmaking into the world of Formula 1. The H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon is an outstanding timepiece in this partnership, featuring a unique cylindrical tourbillon that is visible through a transparent sapphire crystal. The watch’s curved, streamlined case in stainless steel features a minimalist dial with a central seconds hand, date display, and moonphase complication. The cylindrical tourbillon, an exceptional feature, provides greater precision while also adding an element of visual intrigue.

Racing Bulls & Tudor

The Black Bay Ceramic Blue features a 41mm case made entirely of ceramic, which gives it a sleek, matte finish, complemented by a blue dial. The watch comes with a rotating bezel, an in-house automatic movement and is water-resistant up to 200 metres. It is paired with a sailcloth strap that looks ace.