The Bahrain Sakhir International Circuit is set to host an exhilarating three-day test session, where Formula 1 teams will put their brand-new 2025 cars through their paces ahead of the highly anticipated season opener in Australia on March 16. Among the exciting moments, the iconic Lewis Hamilton will make his first appearance as a Ferrari driver, and rookie drivers will introduce themselves to the fans – and showcase their impressive watch collections – in front of 15,000 eager spectators. And, naturally, Richard Mille will be right there, making its unmistakable mark.

Richard Mille and Formula 1 have become synonymous with one another, and for good reason. Both share an unrelenting commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, performance, and craftsmanship. The Richard Mille brand is deeply entrenched in the world of F1, with its timepieces often seen gracing the wrists of some of the most iconic drivers in the sport. These watches, like the F1 cars themselves, represent the pinnacle of engineering, design, and precision.

Since its inception in 2001, the Swiss brand has carved a name for itself in luxury watchmaking. Richard Mille has quickly become a dominant force in the industry, known for its bold, distinctive, and instantly recognizable architectural aesthetic. However, what sets Richard Mille apart is its commitment to applying cutting-edge techniques and materials – drawn from the most innovative sectors, including F1 car development and aerospace engineering – to create timepieces that embody both precision and performance. These watches are designed without compromise, pushing the limits of what a luxury timepiece can achieve. And, just as with the fastest F1 cars, there are no gimmicks – only pure innovation.

Racing Machines on the Wrist

Richard Mille watches, much like Formula 1 cars, are highly-engineered, handcrafted machines that push the very limits of technology. They are not merely timepieces but “racing machines on the wrist.” The philosophy behind the creation of these watches aligns perfectly with the world of motorsport, where engineering excellence, cutting-edge materials, and unmatched precision come together to create something extraordinary.

The founder of Richard Mille, Richard Mille himself, is a passionate car racing enthusiast. His love for motorsports goes beyond mere admiration; he collects vintage racing cars and has formed lasting friendships with some of the world’s top drivers. These relationships have allowed Richard Mille to showcase its timepieces in the most prestigious motorsport events, particularly Formula 1. Who better to represent Richard Mille than the drivers who test the limits of both their skill and the machines they race in? Through these collaborations, Richard Mille watches have become synonymous with the elite athletes who wear them.

McLaren and Richard Mille: A Winning Partnership

Over the past five decades, the McLaren team has built a legendary reputation in motorsport. Known for its relentless pursuit of technical innovation, meticulous attention to detail, and countless wins on the track, McLaren has long been one of the most respected names in Formula 1. It is only fitting that McLaren's philosophy aligns perfectly with Richard Mille’s commitment to excellence. Both brands share an unwavering passion for precision engineering, state-of-the-art design, and cutting-edge technology.

One standout timepiece from this partnership is the Richard Mille RM 67-02 McLaren Carbon TPT, designed specifically for McLaren and British driver Lando Norris. This watch embodies the essence of performance, boasting lightweight, durable, and precise engineering. The Carbon TPT case is built to withstand the harshest conditions, making it the ideal companion for a Formula 1 driver. The skeletonized dial is crafted from titanium to reflect the intricate geometry of the movement, and each dial is meticulously hand-finished to ensure perfection. Powering the watch is the in-house CRMA7 movement, a 25-jewel self-winding caliber that delivers a 50-hour power reserve and operates at 4Hz. Every bridge, screw, and wheel is manually finished to ensure both durability and aesthetic refinement, making it a true work of art on the wrist.

Lewis Hamilton: A New Chapter with Ferrari

When Lewis Hamilton made his long-anticipated Ferrari debut, it was no surprise that he chose to wear a Richard Mille watch to mark the occasion. The Richard Mille RM 74-02 Gold Carbon TPT was the timepiece Hamilton wore during his first appearance with the Ferrari team. This ultra-skeletonized watch features the CRMT5 caliber, which is powered by 18K red and yellow gold baseplates and bridges, both microblasted and beveled by hand. The real showstopper is its Gold Carbon TPT case, made of 600 layers of carbon fiber interwoven with 24K yellow gold leaf. This sophisticated construction is not only a testament to Richard Mille’s engineering prowess but also hints at the future direction of Formula 1, where gold could play a more prominent role in the sport.

The marriage of high-performance materials and a striking aesthetic makes the RM 74-02 Gold Carbon TPT the perfect watch for a driver like Hamilton, who is no stranger to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the sport. His choice to wear Richard Mille speaks volumes about the brand’s commitment to excellence and precision – values that align perfectly with the legendary driver's career.

Charles Leclerc: Pushing the Limits of Timekeeping

Another prominent Formula 1 driver who has a strong relationship with Richard Mille is Charles Leclerc. Leclerc, a rising star in the sport and a key member of Ferrari, has been seen wearing the RM 72-01 Automatic Winding Lifestyle Flyback Chronograph. This timepiece marks a significant milestone for Richard Mille, as it features the brand's first in-house chronograph movement, the CRMC1 caliber. The patented movement utilizes oscillating pinions to separate timekeeping functions from chronograph operations, ultimately improving performance and precision.

Leclerc wore the RM 72-01 during his test drive of Ferrari's new SF-25 Formula 1 car, showcasing not only his skill on the track but also the performance of the watch on his wrist. Just like the SF-25, the RM 72-01 is a technological marvel, engineered for the highest levels of performance and precision.

Carlos Sainz: A Richard Mille Enthusiast

Carlos Sainz, another prominent Ferrari driver, is no stranger to Richard Mille’s timepieces. Having spent several seasons with McLaren before joining Ferrari, Sainz has worn a variety of Richard Mille models throughout his career. Currently, he sports the RM 67-02, a striking red, black, and yellow timepiece that perfectly matches the color scheme of both Ferrari and his native Spain. Originally designed for German tennis star Alexander Zverev, the RM 67-02 is yet another example of how Richard Mille tailors its watches to fit the unique personalities and preferences of elite athletes from various sports.

Felipe Massa: A Tribute to an F1 Legend

Felipe Massa, a key figure in Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship-winning seasons of 2007 and 2008, has been a close friend of Richard Mille’s founder. Massa’s achievements on the track, including his near-miss in the 2008 World Driver’s Championship, have been immortalized by Richard Mille through the creation of the RM 011. This watch, a true technical marvel, was designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Formula 1 racing while offering an ergonomic fit for the wearer.

The RM 011 is powered by the RMAC1 caliber, a movement that is both precise and resilient. The watch’s case is made of NTPT carbon composite, a lightweight and durable material commonly used in racing yachts. This material ensures that the watch can withstand the demands of high-speed motorsport while offering a visually striking design. Massa’s close relationship with Richard Mille further solidifies the connection between the brand and the world of Formula 1, showcasing the watch’s ability to endure the most extreme conditions on and off the track.

The Legacy of Richard Mille in Formula 1

Richard Mille has undoubtedly established itself as a dominant presence in Formula 1. The brand’s timepieces, crafted to withstand the extreme conditions of motorsport, are coveted by drivers who demand the highest levels of performance. The materials, engineering, and precision of Richard Mille watches are a perfect match for the top-tier performance of the drivers and the machines they race.

Richard Mille’s involvement in Formula 1 is more than just sponsorship; it’s a genuine connection between two entities that push the boundaries of what is possible. Whether it’s McLaren’s relentless innovation, Hamilton’s quest for greatness, or Leclerc’s rise to the top, Richard Mille watches continue to be a symbol of precision, performance, and luxury.

Discover Richard Mille

Want to experience the engineering brilliance of Richard Mille for yourself? Contact us today to explore our collection of timepieces, and enjoy a seamless watch-buying experience from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re an avid motorsport fan or simply a lover of fine craftsmanship, Richard Mille offers a timepiece that embodies the very essence of luxury, precision, and performance.