TAG Heuer has never been shy about its love affair with motorsport. For 2026, the brand reignites that passion with a complete redesign of its legendary Formula 1 collection. It’s not just a facelift – it’s a full-scale reinvention that celebrates the spirit of speed, precision, and technical innovation. The relaunch also coincides perfectly with TAG Heuer’s renewed role as the official timekeeper of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, once again placing the brand squarely on the starting grid of global racing.
The original Formula 1 line debuted in 1986 – a daring, colourful expression of TAG Heuer’s new identity after its merger with Technique d’Avant-Garde. These early quartz-powered watches were unapologetically sporty, drawing from the high-octane energy of the racing world. At a time when many Swiss brands were still recovering from the quartz crisis, TAG Heuer embraced modernity, pairing advanced materials like rubber and resin with bright, youthful designs. By the late 1980s, the first Formula 1 Chronograph had arrived, solidifying the collection’s reputation as a fun, resilient, and accessible sports watch.
The 1990s saw the line evolve further, most memorably through its association with the late Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian F1 legend often sported TAG Heuer Formula 1 watches both on and off the track, a relationship that transformed the model into a cultural icon. After a brief pause in production around the turn of the millennium, the Formula 1 made its comeback in 2015, this time borrowing aesthetic cues from the classic Autavia.
Now, the 2026 Formula 1 Chronograph pushes the collection into its most sophisticated form yet. Crafted from Grade 2 titanium, the new case measures 44mm across and 14.1mm thick – bold dimensions balanced by an integrated design that keeps the replica watch comfortable and wearable. Despite its robust stance, it’s actually slimmer and more compact than its predecessor, measuring just 47.3mm lug to lug. The case is topped with a fixed tachymeter bezel outlined by a slim colour band – a small detail that visually separates the bezel from the case while emphasizing the watch’s dynamic character.
Depending on the version, the case comes in brushed titanium or a sleek black DLC coating. The colour palette remains true to racing heritage, dominated by black with flashes of red and blue for contrast. Among the quartet of new models, the Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition stands out in vivid fashion. It captures the essence of Red Bull’s championship livery with deep navy blue, crimson, and bright yellow accents. Its chequered-pattern dial nods to the finish line, while a carbon bezel insert replaces the standard aluminium one. On the caseback, a chequered flag motif returns, and for the Red Bull model, the team’s logo makes a proud appearance.
TAG Heuer’s design team took direct inspiration from Formula 1 cars themselves – the aerodynamic curves of the case echo the lines of front wings and side pods, while the pushers and crown have been reimagined for a more ergonomic and cohesive look. Every element feels sculpted for speed, down to the coloured gaskets and subtle contrasts between matte and polished surfaces.
Under the hood, reliability and precision take center stage. The new Formula 1 models are powered by the Calibre 16 automatic chronograph, derived from the dependable Sellita SW510. Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 42-hour power reserve, it offers classic chronograph functionality with a racing twist: a coloured central seconds hand, a 30-minute totalizer at 12 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 6, and running seconds at 9. The layout is familiar yet distinctly modern, perfectly suited for timing laps or simply keeping pace with life’s fast lane.
Each model comes fitted with an integrated rubber strap in black, red, or Red Bull blue, complete with a matching coloured edge stripe that mirrors the details on the dial and case. It’s a thoughtful design choice that ties the entire aesthetic together, making the watch feel cohesive and energetic.
Pricing starts at CHF 4,300 for the bare titanium model, CHF 4,600 for the black DLC-coated versions, and CHF 5,300 for the Oracle Red Bull Racing Edition. While the new Formula 1 has moved upmarket, it’s also grown up in every sense. It’s sharper, more refined, and more aligned with the modern enthusiast’s expectations. This is not just a nostalgic revival – it’s a confident step forward for a watch born on the track.
And while this quartet marks the starting lap, TAG Heuer’s track record suggests that special editions – perhaps even new Senna tributes – aren’t far behind. The Formula 1 name has always stood for energy, colour, and adrenaline. In 2026, it also stands for evolution. The checkered flag may mark the end of a race, but for TAG Heuer’s Formula 1, this redesign signals an exciting new beginning.