Lewis Hamilton has been photographed wearing an incredibly expensive and exclusive Richard Mille RM 43-01 Ferrari Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph watch on the media day of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. Valued at an astonishing $1,535,000, only 75 examples of this timepiece exist.
The seven-time champion joined Ferrari at the beginning of the 2025 Formula 1 season and has since been able to enjoy the fruits of the team’s sponsors – one of which is the luxury Swiss watchmaker. This weekend’s watch is the result of a second collaboration between the Scuderia and Richard Mille after their record-breaking RM UP-01.
The RM 43-01 follows in the first watch’s footsteps, featuring a manual winding tourbillon movement and a split-seconds chronograph. In all, 514 components make up the watch, with a number of these elements inspired by Ferrari engine architecture. X-shaped metal pieces are used to improve the strength of the overall design while mirroring a Ferrari crankcase, for example.
Hamilton, who recently co-chaired the legendary Met Gala, has had an interest in fashion since he stepped into the world of F1.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images via Getty Images
“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,” the former Mercedes driver wrote. “I was probably in FUBU and Timbs [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.”
Since the Italian team ended its partnership with Hublot and moved to Richard Mille in 2021, Ferrari drivers have worn the brand’s watches. Before his move to Maranello, Hamilton would wear IWC Schaffhausen watches, with the brand releasing a limited edition Portugieser model designed in collaboration with the driver. Limited to only 44 units, it was priced at £143,000 new – a number that pales in comparison to his current choice.
As you’d expect, wearing items of such high value can be dangerous. In April of 2022, Charles Leclerc had his Richard Mille watch, estimated to be worth approximately $320,000, stolen after two people wearing motorcycle helmets approached him asking for a selfie. Four people were arrested the following year, but the watch was never confirmed to be found. Fortunately, the driver wasn’t hurt in the altercation.
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