Charles Leclerc wearing Richard Mille’s RM 72-01; photo by Renaud Corlouer
Richard Milles RM 72-01 Lifestyle Chronograph
By Tali Jaffe Minor
Today, thousands will gather around the Miami International Autodrome where the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix kicks off its sophomoric race weekend in the Magic City. Ahead of the start of the season, we caught up with one of the franchise’s most celebrated drivers, Charles Leclerc. While most will be focused on the Scuderia Ferrari the young Monégasque handles with preternatural finesse, some fans might also be clocking his wrist to see which Richard Mille model he’s sporting. As a friend and partner of the house for more than a decade, Leclerc has enjoyed test driving a few models, and today wears the RM 72-01 Lifestyle Chronograph in titanium.
Here, Leclerc shares a few of his F1 memories, summer plans and what he loves about Miami.
Earliest F1 memory:
My earliest memory for Formula 1 is from when I was a child, around 3 or 4 years old. I was watching the Grand Prix of Monaco from a friend’s terrace, who had an apartment above the first corner of the track. Of course, I was cheering for the red car.
Team Scuderia Ferrari with their new SF-23 car
Sound you associate with racing:
The sound I would have to say I most associate with racing is the sound of the engine.
Standout moment in your career:
The standout moment of my career so far was probably the Italian Grand Prix in Monza in 2019. It was a very special victory, because I would share it with all the Italian tifosi who are very passionate.
Your racing style could be described as:
My racing style would have to be described as always changing. As a racing driver, you always adapt to different and sometimes new situation, cars, circuits and conditions, and depending on that, you fine tune your driving style.
Favorite Richard Mille model:
My favorite Richard Mille watch is the RM 35-02 Rafael Nadal.
Tune in on Sunday to watch Leclerc race alongside other champion drivers in the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix; photo by Renaud Corlouer
Favorite thing about Miami:
My favorite thing about Miami is the vibe there. The city is amazing and the event itself is more of a show, which is different to what we are used to in Europe. I enjoy it and find it very special.
Plans for summer holiday:
I will probably just be enjoying some time with my family and friends and spend time on my boat.
![Calling all artists: What does your Bal Harbour Shops dream look like?
The 7th annual Bal Harbour Shops Creative Challenge is officially underway. This year, we invite illustrators from around the world to explore The Art of Dreaming—reimagining Bal Harbour Shops as a place where fashion, dining, nature, art and culture collide, and the impossible feels beautifully possible.
In partnership with Fida Worldwide, one Grand Prize winner will receive $3,500, have their work published in the Winter 2026 issue of Bal Harbour Magazine, and be commissioned for an upcoming editorial illustration project. Three finalists will each receive $750 and be featured across our digital channels.
Ready to dream? Submit your original work by October 16 [link in bio] and share it on Instagram using #BHSCreativeDream.](https://www.balharbourshops.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
