Formula 1 Drivers - Who Wears Which Watch and How Much is it Worth?

Formula 1 is not just a sport for speed; it’s a realm where luxury meets precision. For many drivers, their choice of watch goes beyond telling time — it’s a reflection of their personality, success, and commitment to the sport. Let’s take a look at some of the iconic drivers in Formula 1 and the watches they wear, along with the estimated worth of their timepieces.

1. Lewis Hamilton – IWC Big Pilot’s Watch (2024)

Watch Worn: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch
Estimated Price: $8,500 - $15,000 (depending on the model)
About the Watch: Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has been known to sport several high-end timepieces. One of his favorites is the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch, a classic aviator-style watch with a large, easily readable dial. Hamilton’s connection with IWC has been well-documented, and the watch’s design resonates with his love for precision and performance.

2. Sebastian Vettel – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Watch Worn: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
Estimated Price: $20,000 - $50,000 (depending on the edition)
About the Watch: The German driver, a four-time World Champion, is often seen sporting an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore. Known for its bold design and mechanical prowess, the Royal Oak Offshore collection features an iconic octagonal bezel. Vettel’s choice speaks volumes about his preference for watches that combine elegance and high performance.

3. Max Verstappen – Tag Heuer Monaco

Watch Worn: Tag Heuer Monaco
Estimated Price: $5,000 - $8,000
About the Watch: Max Verstappen, the Dutch racing prodigy, is a loyal brand ambassador for Tag Heuer. He is frequently seen wearing a Tag Heuer Monaco, a watch that is as much a statement piece as it is a high-performance timepiece. The Monaco is famous for its square shape and connection to motorsport history. With its sporty yet sophisticated look, it’s the perfect fit for a rising star like Verstappen.

4. Daniel Ricciardo – Richard Mille RM 67-02

Watch Worn: Richard Mille RM 67-02
Estimated Price: $150,000 - $200,000
About the Watch: Daniel Ricciardo, known for his charisma and remarkable driving skills, wears a Richard Mille RM 67-02. Richard Mille watches are synonymous with ultra-lightweight, high-tech materials, and precision. The RM 67-02 is no exception, with its incredible design and lightweight build, making it a perfect choice for a driver like Ricciardo who values both comfort and style. At upwards of $150,000, this watch is not only a statement but also a high-end investment.

5. Kimi Räikkönen – Rolex Daytona

Watch Worn: Rolex Daytona
Estimated Price: $15,000 - $100,000 (depending on the model)
About the Watch: The “Iceman” himself, Kimi Räikkönen, is no stranger to luxury timepieces, and one of his favorites is the Rolex Daytona. Known for its sleek design and incredible precision, the Daytona is a symbol of motorsport excellence. The watch, with its chronograph function, aligns perfectly with the world of high-speed racing. Kimi’s Rolex Daytona is a timeless piece that ranges in value depending on the model, but it’s a statement of both luxury and performance.

6. Fernando Alonso – Richard Mille RM 011

Watch Worn: Richard Mille RM 011
Estimated Price: $200,000+
About the Watch: Fernando Alonso, a two-time World Champion, wears the Richard Mille RM 011, a watch that screams luxury and innovation. Richard Mille watches are known for their use of cutting-edge materials like titanium and LITAL® (a super-light alloy), making them not just visually striking, but highly durable as well. With a price tag of over $200,000, the RM 011 is one of the most expensive watches worn by an F1 driver, embodying Alonso’s precise and competitive nature.

7. Valtteri Bottas – Longines Master Collection

Watch Worn: Longines Master Collection
Estimated Price: $2,500 - $5,000
About the Watch: Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas has been spotted wearing a more affordable yet equally stylish timepiece — the Longines Master Collection. This watch is known for its elegant, classic design and high-quality craftsmanship, offering exceptional value for the price. Bottas, who is known for his calm and methodical approach on the track, seems to favor this sophisticated piece.

8. Charles Leclerc – Richard Mille RM 67-02

Watch Worn: Richard Mille RM 67-02
Estimated Price: $150,000 - $200,000
About the Watch: Charles Leclerc, the young Ferrari driver, also wears a Richard Mille RM 67-02. Like his teammate Vettel, Leclerc has a taste for high-end, lightweight watches that reflect his status in Formula 1. The RM 67-02 is crafted with high-tech materials such as titanium and features a unique, bold design. It’s a perfect match for Leclerc’s youthful yet determined personality.

Conclusion

Formula 1 drivers are not only ambassadors of speed but also of luxury, with their watches often representing their taste, personality, and success on the track. From affordable yet elegant pieces like the Longines Master Collection to ultra-exclusive watches like the Richard Mille RM 67-02, each timepiece tells a unique story.

Quick Summary of F1 Driver Watches and Their Worth:

1. Lewis Hamilton - IWC Big Pilot’s Watch ($8,500 - $15,000)

2. Sebastian Vettel - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ($20,000 - $50,000)

3. Max Verstappen - Tag Heuer Monaco ($5,000 - $8,000)

4. Daniel Ricciardo - Richard Mille RM 67-02 ($150,000 - $200,000)

5. Kimi Räikkönen - Rolex Daytona ($15,000 - $100,000)

6. Fernando Alonso - Richard Mille RM 011 ($200,000+)

7. Valtteri Bottas - Longines Master Collection ($2,500 - $5,000)

8. Charles Leclerc - Richard Mille RM 67-02 ($150,000 - $200,000)

Each watch reflects the driver’s personal style, performance on the track, and the luxury world they inhabit. Whether high-tech innovation or timeless elegance, these timepieces serve as a symbol of excellence both on and off the racetrack.