Lewis Hamilton was seen wearing an extraordinary Richard Mille RM 43-01 Ferrari Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph watch during the media day of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. With a value of $1,535,000, this limited-edition watch is one of only 75 made worldwide, marking it as a highly exclusive piece.
Collaboration Between Ferrari and Richard Mille Produces Luxurious Watch
Since joining Ferrari earlier this year, Hamilton has had access to the team’s premium sponsors, including renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker Richard Mille. The RM 43-01 is the second collaboration after the record-setting RM UP-01 and continues Ferrari’s tradition of integrating cutting-edge designs with horological expertise. The watch’s 514 components incorporate design elements inspired by Ferrari’s engine architecture, such as X-shaped metal pieces that both reinforce the watch’s strength and mimic a Ferrari crankcase.
Hamilton’s Fashion Journey and Watch Choices
The seven-time world champion has long expressed his interest in fashion, which has grown alongside his racing career. Reflecting on his early days, Hamilton shared a memory of being judged by a boss for his style before entering Formula 1, recalling,
“Just before I got to Formula 1, I remember being looked up and down by a boss, and he definitely wasn’t impressed with what I was wearing,”
he wrote. He described his earlier streetwear style involving FUBU clothing and Timberlands.
“I remember thinking, ‘Shoot, I’ve really got to fit into this mold.’ And my dad expected me to fit into that mold too. Sometimes I would dress one way leaving the house, then drive down the road and change into a baggy, swagged-out look. I would go out and have the best night ever, then change back into what I left the house wearing before I came home.”
Before his move to Maranello, Hamilton wore watches from IWC Schaffhausen, which released a limited edition Portugieser model in his name—only 44 units were produced, priced at £143,000. His current $1.5 million Ferrari watch by Richard Mille dwarfs that figure in exclusivity and value.
Risks of Wearing High-Value Watches in Formula 1
Wearing such expensive watches is not without risk for Formula 1 drivers. In April 2022, Charles Leclerc’s Richard Mille watch, valued at roughly $320,000, was stolen during a fan encounter when two people with motorcycle helmets approached him for a selfie. Although four suspects were arrested the following year, the watch was never recovered, and fortunately, Leclerc was unharmed during the incident.
What Hamilton’s Watch Choice Signifies for His Role at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton wearing a $1.5 million Ferrari watch highlights his close integration within the Scuderia and its luxury partners. This choice not only reflects his status in Formula 1 but also aligns with his evolving personal style and brand associations. As the 2025 season progresses, such collaborations will likely strengthen Hamilton’s identity both on and off the track, emphasizing the blend of performance, luxury, and exclusivity that surrounds Ferrari’s drivers.
