TAG Heuer’s Longstanding Presence in Formula One

The Swiss
3 min readJun 16, 2023

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For over four decades, TAG Heuer has been a prominent sponsor of Formula One teams and drivers, cementing its position as one of the leading watch brands in the sport. Throughout its history, TAG Heuer has supported some of the most successful and iconic teams and drivers in the sport, with its sponsorship playing a significant role in their championship victories and overall success.

One of the first teams to be sponsored by TAG Heuer was Ferrari, which began its partnership with the watch brand in 1971. The collaboration proved to be a fruitful one, with Ferrari winning three World Championships with Niki Lauda in 1975 and 1977 and Jody Scheckter in 1979. TAG Heuer’s presence on the Ferrari car and the drivers’ wrists soon became a familiar sight on the Formula One circuit.

In the 1980s, TAG Heuer expanded its sponsorship to other leading teams, including McLaren, which became a TAG Heuer partner in 1985. The collaboration proved to be a hugely successful one, with McLaren dominating the sport during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The team won three World Championships with Alain Prost in 1985, 1986, and 1989, and another with Ayrton Senna in 1988. TAG Heuer’s presence on the McLaren cars and the drivers’ wrists became an iconic symbol of the team’s success.

In addition to its partnerships with Ferrari and McLaren, TAG Heuer also sponsored Williams during the 1990s, which saw the team win four World Championships with drivers Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, and Damon Hill. The watch brand also sponsored Red Bull Racing during the 2000s and 2010s, which saw the team win four consecutive World Championships with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013.

TAG Heuer’s partnerships with leading Formula One drivers have also played a crucial role in its presence in the sport. The watch brand has had a long-standing relationship with Ayrton Senna, who became a TAG Heuer ambassador in 1988. Senna famously wore a TAG Heuer watch during his races, and the watch brand produced a limited-edition timepiece in his honor. TAG Heuer has also had partnerships with other leading drivers, including Alain Prost, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen.

In recent years, TAG Heuer has continued to support Formula One teams and drivers, with partnerships with Red Bull Racing, McLaren, and Aston Martin. The watch brand’s presence in the sport has become a vital part of its identity, with its sponsorship symbolizing innovation, precision, and excellence.

In conclusion, TAG Heuer’s long-standing presence in Formula One has been marked by its successful partnerships with some of the sport’s most iconic teams and drivers. Its sponsorship has played a crucial role in the success of these teams and drivers, with its presence on the cars and drivers’ wrists becoming an iconic symbol of their victories. As Formula One continues to evolve, TAG Heuer’s presence in the sport remains as strong as ever, cementing its position as one of the leading watch brands in the world of motorsports.

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The Swiss

I'm The Swiss a watches enthusiast who loves Swiss-made movements. I will share my knowledge and collection through a blog on Medium. Join the community.