Taking home a win at the Bahrain rand Prix 2022, Charles Leclerc’s victory on the Sakhir track marked a promising moment for the driver and team, Scuderia Ferrari.
Leclerc’s fought long and hard for the victory, as he gained a gap against Belgian-Dutch champion Max Verstappen and warded off attacks and advances by the reigning world champion.
The 23-year-old recalls he had to rely on instincts and the impeccable performance of his car. “I tried to be as clever as possible and brake early for the first corner so as to be behind [Verstappen] when the DRS (drag reduction system) detection kicked in, and it worked twice! I was able to retake first place.”
The win was made even more memorable for Scuderia Ferrari as fellow teammate Carlos Sainz Jr placed second, bagging a one-two win for the team.
Amidst all the excitement, Leclerc is grateful to the team for his place on the podium. The 2022 season brought with it new technical regulations that signalled a return of ground effect; cars had to change their aerodynamic design to allow racers to follow each other more closely without losing speed. The change facilitates more adrenalin-rising overtaking that evidently added to the excitement of the race.
“They did an absolutely incredible job in designing this great car. The season has started in the best possible way: pole position, victory, best lap, one-two with Carlos. It’s everything we hoped for and more.”
While Ferrari has perfected the speed and precision of these cars down to a science, the team has chosen to partner with avant-garde watchmaker Richard Mille for a second year to create unique timepieces that reflect the excitement and technology that goes into Formula 1 racing.
Leclerc wore a RM 67-02 Extraflat Automatic during the race. Using high-performance material Quartz TPT in white, the front and back of the timepiece provide exceptional temperature and electromagnetic wave resistance. The movement is built on Baseplate and bridge in grade 5 titanium, a material chosen for its durability and lightweight.
The partnership, at first glance, seems like little more than putting a wrist on Leclerc’s wrist. Throughout development, the watchmaker enlisted the racer to test the limits of the mechanical machine to ensure it could withstand the speed, shock and force of an F1 race.
Both Leclerc and Scuderia Ferrari will be racing at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit for three days starting April 8. And for those curious to see the Richard Mille timepiece in action, the watch will once again be racing to the finish line with Leclerc.
