By Staff
Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. In motor sport this association started in the 1930s when Sir Malcolm Campbell set World Land Speed Records on Daytona Beach with a Rolex Oyster on his wrist. Since then, Rolex’s support has grown, extending to the sport’s most esteemed figures, revered endurance championships and leading events. This affiliation encompasses the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship and the contests that come together to form the Triple Crown of Endurance Racing – the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the Twelve Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For almost three decades, Rolex has also supported classic automotive events steeped in elegance, beauty and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® and the Goodwood Revival. Rolex welcomed motor sport icon Sir Jackie Stewart into its family of Testimonees in 1968 and he has since been joined by fellow legends: Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Mark Webber, the 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion and multiple Grand PrixTM winner. The Swiss watchmaker also supports the next generation of talent, including Jamie Chadwick, who continues to break down barriers across motor sport and Nyck de Vries, a leading figure in the WEC, with success across multiple disciplines.
Time defines endurance racing. It separates champions from other competitors and rewards those who prevail at each of these demanding contests, ranging in duration from six to 24 hours. The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) which began with the 6 Hours of Imola from 17 to 19 April, marks 10 years since Rolex became Official Timepiece of the series. Over the past decade, the Swiss watchmaker has accompanied the sport through a golden era, witnessing many of its greatest achievements and innovations: from the introduction of the Hypercar class in 2021, to the historic transatlantic alignment in 2023 and the championship’s 100th race last year.
The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season comprises eight rounds staged across four continents: Europe, Asia, North America and South America. In June, the calendar reached its pinnacle at Circuit de la Sarthe in France for the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking an important chapter in Rolex’s journey in endurance racing as it celebrates 25 years of partnership with the race. The series then moved to South America for the Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo at the iconic Autódromo José Carlos Pace, one of motor sport’s most storied tracks.
Rolex returns to Brazil as Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year. Frédéric Lequien, FIA World Endurance Championship Chief Executive Officer, reflects on Rolex’s enduring support: “Such a successful and long- standing relationship is a mark of absolute trust and exemplifies the qualities that are essential to us: loyalty, precision, elegance and excellence. These are values that Rolex and the FIA WEC wholeheartedly embrace and share. Rolex as a brand is synonymous with the pinnacle of international endurance racing, and we take great pride in having a partner that is so deeply engaged with everything we do.”
Timing remains at the heart of this sport, the quiet force that drives it forward and shapes each moment. From every split second and every decisive move made on track, the Rolex Pit Lane Clock will continue to keep time on more remarkable achievements. The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship will culminate at the 8 Hours of Bahrain in November, when Rolex will present a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona to the season champions of the Hypercar class. Recognized as the ultimate watch in motor sport, it is worn by those who have made history on circuits worldwide over the decades.
Read the full article in the Spring/Summer 2026 issue of Rounder Magazine
