Timepieces Loved by F1 Drivers

Photo: GQ

The Italian Grand Prix has been held Since 1921 and remains the sixth-oldest national Grand Prix. It was the Grand Prix that took place most time in 2013. Moreover, it is among the two Grand Prix that has been conducted each season since the start of the F1 World Championship in 1950 as a part of the Grand Prix.

The Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio d’Italia 2022, also referred to as the Italian Grand Prix 2022, took place on September 11, 2022, at the Monza Circuit in Monza, Italy. As usual, we saw a few high-end watches throughout the event, and Richard Mille seemed to be the obsession of many drivers.

Furthermore, racecar drivers and timepieces have traditionally been paired together. The following are thus some of the top watches sported at the Italian Grand Prix 2022:

Max Verstappen: TAG Heuer Monaco

At the Italian Grand Prix in 2022, Max Verstappen defeated Charles LeClerc, earning his 11th F1 victory of the year. He was sporting his one-of-a-kind TAG Heuer Monaco special edition “Max Verstappen” with DLC titanium CBL2180-FC497-MV to celebrate his victory over LeClerc. 

Photo: Getty Images

This timepiece is made of 2nd-grade titanium and has a DLC coating. It is modeled by the Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord.” The outcome has a deep, rich hue with rose gold hands and indicators. The watch is also intended to convey the grandeur of the Principality and the risks associated with racing on its famous racetrack.

In addition, this unique version was created in a single piece to commemorate a successful day for Oracle Red Bull Racing. The dial and case back of Verstappen’s model thus feature the number “1,” which corresponds to his racing number.

Charles LeClerc: Richard Mille

At the Italian Grand Prix, Charles LeClerc, the 24-year-old Monegasque racer who competes for Scuderia Ferrari, wore his distinctive Richard Mille 67-02 “Charles LeClerc” watch. The item perfectly embodies the idea of a sports piece, which is lightweight, resistant, and created to thrive in every way, even though it lacks interesting complications.

A Photo: Getty Images 

Furthermore, this RM 67-02 is marketed as the company’s lightweight automatic timepiece. It measures only 32 g due to the use of 5th-grade titanium, TPT compound elements, as well as a flexible strap. 

Carlos Sainz Jr: Richard Mille

A Spanish racer, Carlos Sainz Jr. is presently a member of the F1 team Scuderia Ferrari together with Charles LeClerc. He is the son of two-time World Rally Title holder Carlos Sainz Sr. 

Photo: Getty Images

He was spotted with Richard Mille 67-02 at the Italian Grand Prix 2022. Nevertheless, his RM 67-02 came in a distinct color scheme—red, yellow, and black—initially designed for German tennis player Alexander Zverev.

George Russell: IWC

The racing partner of George Russell is an IWC Pilot Chronograph with a black strap. The watch comes in a magnificent 43-millimeter stainless steel casing.

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A date aperture at three o’clock, small hacker hands, chronograph capabilities, 3 sub-dials, and a defensive sapphire crystal glass are all included on the stylish black dial. Furthermore, a 44-hour battery reserve plus a screw-down crown enhances Russell’s timepiece. 

Lewis Hamilton: IWC

Sir Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes serves as the IWC Schaffhausen brand ambassador for fine watches. At the Italian Grand Prix, he was spotted donning a gorgeous IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Special Version’ Lewis Hamilton’ IW503002. He is also wearing the discontinued 46mm IWC Big Pilot’s Watch in stainless steel with a black dial.

Photo: Getty Images

It seems reasonable that the perpetual calendar is among the watch complexities and that it is, of course, composed of a variety of parts. This wristwatch is thick as a result. 

Daniel Ricciardo: Richard Mille

F1 racer Daniel Ricciardo, an Australian-Italian, competes for McLaren while carrying the Australian flag. He was seen sporting a Richard Mille RM 67-02 made just for him, decorated with orange accents to match his team’s hues. Nevertheless, he appeared to switch the strap to green. 

Photo: Getty Images

RM 67-02 is among the lightweight watches in the industry thanks to the 32 grams that the casing and rubber band both weigh.

Lance Stroll: Girard Perregaux

Lance Stroll, a Canadian-Belgian driver representing Aston Martin flying the Canadian flag in F1, was spotted with a watch that complements his green shirt: the Girard Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin F1 Edition. 

Photo: Getty Images

Its structure, a first for the watch market, combines titanium powder with carbon components from two F1 sportscars utilized in the 2021 season. Cross-hatching on the dial is a decorative detail that traces its origins to Aston Martin ‘AMä symbol of 1921. It also boasts open-worked hands to give the watch a sporting flair.

Conclusion 

Timekeeping has historically been important in the F1 community. However, since everything is entirely computerized, timepieces have been reduced to serving as accessories and fashion statements for every racer on the circuit. Even so, they continue to be an essential component of an F1 driver’s outfit and frequently serve as standalone statement items.