For seven consecutive years, Rolex has been a Global Partner and the Official Timepiece of Formula 1®; an association that only gets stronger each year. Captivated by the sport’s cutting-edge technology and its remarkable athletes in their quest for perfection, the competition’s enduring spirit, as well as its commitment to bold performance and innovation, aligns closely with Rolex’s own passion for continuous excellence.
Rolex’s close ties with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300mph barrier (483km/h) at the wheel of his car Bluebird. Since then, Rolex’s presence in motor racing has grown steadily, supporting iconic endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2013, Rolex partnered the pinnacle of motor sport, Formula 1®, having supported Rolex Testimonee Sir Jackie Stewart since 1968. The brand also has a global appreciation for classic car events steeped in elegance, beauty and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Goodwood Revival.
The 2019 FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX which is also the first race of the season and the 70th Formula 1 championship, kicks off this week at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. From Friday 15 to Sunday 17 March, 2019, Rolex will have an impressive presence on and off the circuit that underscores the luxury Swiss watch brand’s long history of racing and motorsports. “There’s nothing like going racing,” says Rolex Testimonee and multiple Formula 1® race winner Mark Webber. “It’s amazing how quickly the drivers will settle into their new environments, but prior to Melbourne they have had only a limited amount of testing, so the first race of the year will answer a lot of questions. Melbourne is one of the best Grands Prix of the year; the city comes to life. It is very significant for the event that Rolex has been involved for so long, united by their world-class approach and attention to detail. For me personally, and for all Australians, it makes the event extra special that such an incredible brand like Rolex is so closely associated.”
The 2019 season will consist of 21 races around the world… but will also be a year where Formula 1 will celebrate several milestones. For example, next month’s FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2019 will be the championship’s 1,000th Grand Prix. In May, the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2019 will celebrate 90 years since the inaugural race around the Principality’s famous streets and almost a century later the circuit still paves a virtually identical route.
