Tag Heuer Formula 1 Red Bull Racing visit

Last week we joined Tag Heuer to the heart of Formula one in Milton Keynes in England. Here we visited their Formula One partner Red Bull Racing. Being a fan of Formula 1 for many years this was like being a kid in a candy store. Too bad there was a strict no photography policy but after having a peek in the kitchen of one of the top performing F1 teams we fully understand why.

Upon arrival our tour kicks off at the meeting room which is located above the race bay. From here we look down on various F1 cars. After a short presentation the tour around the various buildings begins. Starting at the offices where Christian Horner, team captain or Red Bull Racing is going about his daily work. Here we first see how many people it actually takes to run a successful F1 team. There are countless people working on their expertise. We see topics like aerodynamics, gears, suspension, r&d, materials, windtunnel analysis, race engineering electronics, composite, planning, simulation, planning, vehicle performance and so on.

Next level

Continuing our tour we visit the electronics workshop where we see cable sets  being made. Interesting to see is that they are specific to certain tracks. We even learn that different sets are being used on various days at the track. Next stop is the AT&T Operation room. Here people are assisting the team on the race track. As it is a training day in Bahrain we get to see some of the action on site.

Something as simple as paint is taken to the next level when competing at the highest level in racing. Not a single sticker makes it to the bodywork yet every logo is painted on for optimal aerodynamics. As paint equals weight they do their best to reduce the use to a minimum whilst making sure the car looks at it’s best.

Next stop is the 3D prototyping. Models of various parts are being produced for a number of reasons and uses. Liquid resin hardens with the help of a laser. This make the creation of complicated shapes and designs possible.

Composite and metal production

After seeing the testing division where models are tested at a 60% scale we enter the production facility. Here all the composite materials used are made. Layers of carbon are stacked in molds which are placed in an autoclave where they merge at high temperatures and pressure. Last stop is at the metal devision. This is where we see the similarity between watch manufacturing best. Many axis milling, wire and spark erosion machines fill up the massive room. Here all metal parts are being machined. The only difference between a watch manufacturer is the size of the machines used.

Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Back to the race bay for the presentation of the Red Bull Racing watches. As TAG Heuer is the official Watch and Team Performance Partner of Red Bull Racing and to celebrate the partnership’s second year, TAG Heuer has released a chronograph. The TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01. This 45 mm steel chronograph bears the team’s colours in midnight blue and red. The bezel sporting a tachymeter scale in blue ceramic. Reflecting the DNA of the TAG Heuer Carrera collection. This sporty watch has a blue skeleton dial and sapphire case-back, bearing the Red Bull Racing Team’s logo. The watch is available in two versions: one with a steel bracelet and a new blue leather strap with red topstitching, resembling a racing car seat effect.

Technical details

References CAR2A1K.BA0703 – Steel bracelet / CAR2A1N.FT6100 – Leather/rubber strap

Movement Calibre Heuer-01 Automatic Manufacture Chronograph

Case 45 mm diameter in brushed steel.

Blue ceramic bezel with tachymeter scale

Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides

Steel and rubber crown at 3 o’clock

Steel chronograph push-buttons at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock.

Sapphire case-back for the steel chronograph, with special Red Bull Racing Team engraving

Dial Blue skeleton dial

Blue flange with 60-second scale

Three counters:

– Chronograph minute counter at 12 o’clock with snailed ring and red lacquered hand

– Chronograph hour counter at 6 o’clock with snailed ring and red lacquered hand

– Small seconds counter at 9 o’clock with snailed ring and polished, rhodium-plated hand

Rhodium-plated numerals

Rhodium-plated hour and minute hands and indices with white Superluminova®

Red small seconds hand

Polished rhodium-plated “TAG Heuer” logo at 3 o’clock

Date window at 3.30

Water-resistance 100 metres

Bracelet H-link steel bracelet or blue leather and black rubber strap with racing car-seat effect.

Steel deployant buckle with safety push-buttons and TAG Heuer logo.

Sales price € 5.400,- with stainless steel strap and € 5.250,- € on calf leather strap.

All photos © Tag Heuer / Red Bull Racing.