A shared passion for racing

Ferrari, more than anyone else, is also the most popular outfit thanks to the support of its loyal Tifosi, who passionately cheer on the famous scarlet cars from the stands.

Since it was founded by the legendary Enzo Ferrari in 1947, the Italian brand has been a leader in precision engineering, technological innovation and, above all, a passion for racing. For seven decades, some of the world’s greatest champions – such as Niki Lauda, ​​Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso – had the honor of racing for the Scuderia and seeing generations of fans on the track with their performances known for their courage and speed inspire.

This year marks an exciting new partnership for two brands named not only for their founders, but equally striving for excellence in their respective fields. In 2021, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Richard Mille will enter into a five-year partnership with Ferrari. It’s a perfect meeting of heads: In addition to their shared passion for pioneering technologies, both are considered true works of art.

Photo by: Richard Mille

Founded in 2001, Richard Mille has quickly established itself as one of the leading players in the luxury watch industry. With their desire to mirror the techniques and use of materials used in high-octane Formula 1 racing, the Richard Mille and Ferrari connection is the perfect embodiment of the spirit and style of the automotive and racing worlds.

The new partnership includes Ferraris GT Challenge Series, the World Endurance Championship, Esports and the Ferrari Driver Academy. One of the youngest graduates of the Academy program is the current Ferrari Formula 1 winner Charles Leclerc, who has been Richard Mille’s long-term brand partner since 2009.

Leclerc began his karting career in 2005 and was a multiple winner of the French championship. Five years later he won the Junior Monaco Kart Cup and joined Nicolas Todts All Road Management Company. In 2016 the Monegasque won the GP3 series championship and a year later Formula 2. His success in the junior categories meant a future in Formula 1 for him.

After a year of racing for Alfa Romeo, the youngster graduated from the Ferrari Driver Academy and moved to the Prancing Horse stable in 2019. Notably, in his first season at Ferrari, he took two wins, including the home race at Monza, to establish himself as a legend in the hearts and minds of the Tifosi.

Photo by: Richard Mille

“I have followed Charles’ development closely since he first started karting,” says long-time supporter Richard Mille. “The driver, known for his times and quick qualifications, caught my attention and enthusiasm and immediately convinced the brand to support his emerging talent.”

Richard Mille chronographs, largely inspired by F1 skills, have always adhered to the same cutting edge technology and the pursuit of resilience through advanced, lightweight materials. RM chronographs are testament to this alliance and the development of space age materials like Carbon TPT® was important for shock resistance by improving the stiffness of the base plate and reducing friction.

Ferrari cars are assembled from many thousands of individual components, and an RM tourbillon watch can contain 1,000 components in a case only 45 mm thick. Over the next few years, the close collaboration between Richard Mille and Ferrari’s design departments will create stunning timepieces powered by a mutual commitment of technical know-how and aesthetics at the highest level.

Photo by: Richard Mille