The highly-anticipated first race of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship took place over the weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit.
This year heralds the dawn of a new era as the sport undergoes a technical revolution with the largest update to its regulations in decades. It also marks Rolex’s 10th season as a Global Partner and the Official Timepiece of Formula 1 as part of its dedication to excellence and innovation. The Swiss watchmaker supports the pinnacle of motor sport through every transformation, celebrating its desire for advanced engineering, timeless appeal and world-class competition.
Reflecting on Rolex’s enduring relationship with motor racing, three-time FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion and long-standing Rolex Testimonee, Sir Jackie Stewart, says “This year marks 10 seasons of Rolex’s partnership with Formula 1, and since the beginning both have embodied ground-breaking technology, precision and ingenuity at every level, while having a mutual appreciation for magnificent craftsmanship, style and, ultimately, the importance of timing. Nurturing long-term relationships is fundamental to Rolex, whether through associations with events or sporting legends.”
Looking ahead to the forthcoming season, multiple Formula 1 race winner and Rolex Testimonee, Mark Webber, says: “It’s set to be a hugely exciting year with complex changes to the appearance and drivability of the cars. Pre-season testing has provided us with some insights into how the teams are looking but until they race in earnest this weekend, performance and reliability is all to play for – I think a lot of the teams are very nervous. Plus, with the opening races offering very different challenges in terms of circuit design, it might take some time for us to see who has the advantage as it’s an incredibly dynamic situation with quick rates of development – it’s going to be tremendous for the fans. This year also marks 10 seasons of Rolex and Formula 1, which is a wonderful milestone that showcases loyalty and is something that both parties can be very proud of.”
In 2022, the Rolex Pit Lane Clock will accompany Formula 1 at races across five continents and the series will debut a condensed three-day format at each leg. Long-established races in Australia, Canada, Singapore and Japan return to the schedule, while joining the calendar in May is the inaugural race in Miami, Florida, featuring a 19-turn, 5.41 km street circuit.
