The Formula 1 world witnessed a significant shift as Lewis Hamilton transitioned to Ferrari, and with it, changes are rippling through brand partnerships. A key development is the confirmed new watch release from IWC, Mercedes’ official watch partner, now prominently featuring team principal Toto Wolff. This announcement signals a clear continuation of the Mercedes-IWC alliance, even as Hamilton’s long-standing relationship with the luxury watchmaker concludes following his move to the Scuderia.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton officially joined Ferrari in January, marking his first foray with the iconic Italian team. His debut at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track was widely publicized through social media, showcasing Hamilton in Ferrari red for the first time. Notably, in these initial appearances, Hamilton was seen sporting a Richard Mille watch, a departure from his signature IWC timepieces worn throughout his Mercedes era. This watch choice underscored the end of his personal association with IWC, coinciding with his new team affiliation.
F1 News Highlights: Recent headlines have been dominated by team launches and driver movements, including updates from Aston Martin regarding driver changes for the 2025 season and reactions to team principal appearances at pre-season events.
The shift in watch partnerships reflects the broader changes within Formula 1, where personal endorsements and team affiliations are closely intertwined. For years, IWC watches were synonymous with Mercedes F1 success, adorning the wrists of drivers like Hamilton on the podium and even integrated into team apparel. Now, with Hamilton at Ferrari, Toto Wolff is stepping into the spotlight, embodying the ongoing collaboration between Mercedes and IWC.
IWC’s Enduring Partnership with Mercedes
Despite Hamilton’s departure, IWC remains firmly committed as the official timekeeping partner for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The brand’s watches have long been a symbol of Mercedes’ racing pedigree, seen on drivers celebrating victories and subtly featured on their race suits. The new watch release featuring Toto Wolff reaffirms this enduring partnership, signaling a new chapter in the Mercedes-IWC story, with Wolff now taking a more prominent role in representing the collaboration. This strategic move ensures continuity and reinforces the strength of the Mercedes-IWC partnership in the post-Hamilton era.
