TAG Heuer replaces Rolex to become F1's official timekeeper from 2025

Ahead of the 2025 season, F1 has announced that French watchmaker TAG Heuer will replace Rolex as the sport's official timekeeper. The new deal, effective from 2025, is reportedly valued at over $100 million a year for the next 10 years.

Formula One will celebrate its 75-year anniversary in 2025. To celebrate the momentous occasion, the FIA has organized a mega event on February 18. All 10 teams and 20 drivers will gather at The O2 Arena in London and unveil their liveries together, marking a historic moment.

While the event is still weeks away, F1 has made a major announcement related to sponsorship. In a detailed press release, the authorities confirmed that TAG Heuer will replace Rolex as Formula One's official timekeeper starting from the year 2025.

The new 10-year deal is reportedly worth $100 million a year. TAG Heuer previously held the position of timekeeper from 1992 to 2003. However, luxury Swiss watch brand Rolex took over from 2013.

TAG Heuer first entered the world of motorsports with Ferrari in 1971 as a sponsor. It also sponsored McLaren for a historic period of 30 years. The watchmaker then joined forces with Red Bull Racing in 2016.

Formula 1's CEO and president, Stefano Domenicali, said in a statement:

“I am delighted to welcome TAG Heuer as the official timekeeper of Formula 1 as they start the next stage of their long history in our sport. With their focus on innovation, accuracy, and excellence, they are a natural partner, and I am excited to see how our intertwining heritage can tell new stories for the future as we celebrate our 75th year."

The 2025 F1 season calendar will feature 24 races. After pre-season testing in Bahrain, the upcoming season will begin in Melbourne from the Australian Grand Prix scheduled from March 16-18.

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F1 CEO shares his views on Kimi Antonelli's debut with Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli to make his debut for Mercedes in 2025 (Image Source: Getty)

Rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, will make his F1 race debut with Mercedes in 2025. He will replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Ahead of his debut in Melbourne, the sport's CEO and president, Stefano Domenicali, told AutoSprint:

"Kimi is a golden boy. He is a great talent, but we have to give him time to prove his qualities. We should not expect him to be at the front already on the first lap in Melbourne. I hope so for him, but if that does not happen, there is time to grow."

Antonelli has been highly rated for his fierce pace since his junior days with Mercedes. His debut in F1 may come at a very young age, but team principal Toto Wolff is confident in the Italian teenager's talent.

The 18-year-old made his practice debut in 2024 during the Italian Grand Prix. However, 10 minutes into the FP1 session, he spun around and crashed into the barriers.