The Formula One 2026 watch partnerships redefining the grid

As the 2026 Formula 1 season unfolds, the most intriguing stories aren’t just playing out on the track – they’re ticking quietly on the wrists of drivers and teams. From Aston Martin’s fresh alliance with Breitling to evolved partnerships at Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, this year’s crop of F1 watches masterfully blends technical precision, brand heritage and personal driver expression like never before

Aston Martin and Breitling

Aston Martin Aramco enters the 2026 grid with fresh momentum on the wrist, replacing its long-running Girard-Perregaux partnership with Breitling. The aviation-inspired brand makes an immediate statement with the launch of the Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco. Reimagined for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team, this debut piece stays true to the model’s heritage roots, leaning into its utilitarian past – a nod to the days when drivers relied on its slide rule to calculate lap times and fuel consumption mid-race.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas and IWC

At Mercedes-AMG Petronas, IWC Schaffhausen continues its established role as official partner, with its Pilot’s Watches remaining a constant presence from garage to podium. With Lewis Hamilton’s departure, the collaboration has evolved. The spotlight now turns to George Russell, whose personal style informs a new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41. Featuring a classic tricompax layout, the watch is executed in black ceramic with striking electric blue accents drawn directly from Russell’s race-day attire.

Oracle Red Bull Racing and Tag Heuer

Red Bull Racing maintains its deep ties with Tag Heuer, which now serves as Formula 1’s official timekeeper. As the partnership moves into its next decade, the Austrian team’s success continues to inspire special editions. Max Verstappen remains central to the relationship, with multiple collections and watches bearing his name. Off the track, however, the Dutchman leans into bolder territory. Pre-season sightings showed him wearing a full yellow-gold Carrera Chronograph, a 39mm piece with a brushed gold dial and black subdials that trades track-ready restraint for unapologetic luxury.

McLaren and Richard Mille

McLaren carries strong form into 2026 and keeps Richard Mille as its horological benchmark. For reigning champion Lando Norris, this translates into a rotating selection of high-impact pieces. This includes the ultra-light RM 67-02 McLaren Edition. Engineered specifically for the McLaren F1 Team, the watch features an incredibly lightweight Carbon TPT® construction, ensuring maximum comfort and resilience under extreme racing conditions. Its vibrant color accents reflect McLaren’s racing identity, while the skeletonised automatic movement delivers precision without compromise.

Ferrari and Richard Mille

Seeking stability after a challenging 2025, Ferrari continues its long-term relationship with Richard Mille. The arrival of Lewis Hamilton brings added star power. His RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph masterfully combines two elite complications in a striking carbon TPT case, accented with Ferrari yellow on the hands. A titanium variant offers flashes of traditional Rosso Corsa red for those seeking a more classic Ferrari touch. Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, remains loyal to the ultra-light RM 67-02. His version channels the team’s signature red and white livery, widely believed to be a bespoke prototype. Skeletonised, featherweight and engineered for performance, it continues to stand as one of the cleanest expressions of Formula 1 DNA in watch form.

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