We sat down with 2-time world champion, Max Verstappen, at the opening of the new TAG Heuer Boutique in Milan. Speaking with him, he told us about his passion for watches, his connection with Tag Heuer’s Monaco, and the importance of smartwatches in Motor Sport.
Max Verstappen and TAG Heuer’s Monaco special bond
IWS: Ciao Max, thank you for being here in Milan!
Max: Hello guys, it is a pleasure.
IWS: The first question we wanted to ask you is about the TAG Heuer Monaco, both as an ambassador and as a watch enthusiast. It is a legendary watch in motorsport. You have two special pieces made precisely for you. Can you tell us more about them?
Max Verstappen:I think it has become almost a tradition now. They started giving me a special one three years ago, the first one in Monaco. If I’m not wrong, I think it was the year after I won, something like that. Then they decided to do a new one every year, and that’s perfectly fine, because the Monaco is my favorite TAG Heuer anyway.
I always like to wear it, and what I also like is that – as you probably know – every year there are new editions with different details, new materials. So, for me it’s like wearing a completely new watch every time, I really appreciate it. Even when you compare my 2-3 Monacos that I have from 2-3 years ago with what I’m wearing now, they are very different – it’s still a Monaco, but it’s very different.
IWS: You also chose the Dark Lord when you first became world champion, and it’s one of the brand’s most iconic vintage watches, it’s really great.
Max Verstappen: Right now it is right next to my bed, I love that one, it has the rocker shape. Actually, I wore it a few days ago. So, it’s usually next to my bed along with this one [points to wrist], but now I chose this one for the race weekend in Monza.
IWS: Yes, it is definitely a good choice for race weekend!
Max Verstappen: I know it’s our sponsor, but it’s still amazing for me to wear it. They added some little details that nobody else has. The championship years on the side, the number one on the counter, and they also put the two stars on the back of the dial, it’s really great. The little details make all the difference for me.
Max Verstappen‘s passion for watches
IWS: Of course!! I saw that you collect watches in general, so I would say you are an enthusiast. How do you experience them? Do you consider them a bit like trophies? Are they mere accessories? Or just something you like?
Max Verstappen: Some yes, they’re kind of trophies. I also think it’s funny that my father was crazy about watches as he was growing up, really from the time he was a kid. You know, when you see one for the first time it’s like a car, so you try to turn the crown… wear it… when he grew up he started collecting a lot of watches and you know, when I saw my dad’s collection I was like “WOW”, this is nice, I want this… and that…
Then I started earning my own money and I thought, “Ah, maybe I’ll get one of these…” and over time I was able to put together a nice collection. The only thing I regret a little bit is that you can’t always wear them all. Sometimes I find it a bit of a shame, seeing them there “sleeping” in the safe… it’s like “Ah what a shame, I wish I could wear them more,” but that’s okay. Maybe they are something that can be enjoyed in the future as well.
IWS: Yes, definitely! So would you say that your first memory of watches is with your father?
Max Verstappen: Yes, yes, absolutely!
Smartwatch and motorsports: winning combination?
IWS: There’s another question we were pondering. Let’s talk about connected watches, TAG Heuer has been developing smartwatches for a while. As a Formula 1 driver, is there a function that you think would be very useful on a smartwatch?
Max Verstappen: We use them quite often. The mechanics use them frequently and so does my coach. When we are on the grid they are very practical for me as well. I’m not allowed to wear anything while I’m driving, so the team makes more active use of them. When you need to see the precise time, to the exact thousandth, they are the best tool to use, I think. Obviously for everyday use I prefer this [points to his Special Monaco], I like the design and the shape.
In a sports environment, when you have to know datas precisely, I think it’s good to have smartwatches, especially in Formula 1. They are very practical when we drive and communicate with each other in the team, with my coach, the mechanics. They know on the second when I have to start the engine and do routine procedures, so they are really useful.
IWS: Of course. Readability when you have a digital chronograph is also much more immediate, compared to mechanical watches.
Max Verstappen: You kind of get that feeling when you have a smartphone. It’s different environments, so you use different kinds of watches.
IWS: Thank you Max for this enjoyable talk! See you next time.
Max Verstappen: Thank you!
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