New father Leclerc arrives at Brazilian GP wearing $125,000 Richard Mille watch

Charles Leclerc arrived at the Interlagos paddock ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix wearing a Richard Mille RM 33-02 valued at $125,000, just days after becoming a father for the first time. The Ferrari driver’s wrist caught the attention of watch-spotting account Watches of Celebrities, which identified the timepiece and placed its current market price at $125,000 — down slightly from the $145,000 reported at launch.

The RM 33-02 is a departure from Richard Mille’s signature barrel-shaped aesthetic. The watch features a round case constructed from layers of Carbon TPT and rose gold, with a platinum rotor inside — a more understated silhouette than the brand’s most recognisable pieces. It was limited to 140 examples at release.

Leclerc has been a Richard Mille ambassador for several years and has worn numerous models from the Swiss manufacturer, including his own signature RM 67-02 Charles Leclerc edition. Brand founder Richard Mille has spoken warmly of the relationship, noting he first took notice of the Monegasque driver during his karting days. “Noted for his times, and his speedy qualifiers, the driver attracted my attention and enthusiasm, immediately convincing the brand to support his budding talent,” Mille said.

Leclerc’s later-than-usual arrival in São Paulo was explained by the birth of his daughter, Bianca, with wife Alexandra in the days before the race weekend. Speaking to media after qualifying on Saturday, the Ferrari driver reflected on an extraordinary week. “It’s been a very, very special week for me,” he said. “Probably one of the best weeks of my life, obviously. There’s the professional life, and there’s also the life that is at home. And the life at home in those moments is the only thing that matters.”

Asked whether fatherhood had affected his focus behind the wheel, Leclerc suggested the helmet acts as a mental reset. “When you close the visor as a driver, you kind of reset,” he explained. “I’ve had other moments where in my life things were very difficult. And this time it’s on the other side of the spectrum where things are incredible. But in both those extremes in my private life, I think once you close the visor, you are really very much focused on one thing and one thing only.”