Richard Mille joins Sauber as premium partner for 2018

Just hours before it presents its 2018 charger, the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team has announced a premium partnership with luxury watch maker Richard Mille.

Richard Mille is famous for making some of the most sophisticated and expensive timepieces in the world, with designs often inspired from the world of motorsport.

The 67-year-old Frenchman founded his company in 2001 and the brand's rise to stardom has been meteoric. Today, the Richard Mille collection points resolutely towards the future, while holding stead fast to the time-honored traditions of fine watchmaking.

• Vasseur predicts 'huge step' for Sauber in 2018

"As both a passionate aficionado and long-time advocate of motorsport, I’m incredibly pleased and proud to announce our partnership with the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team and accompany Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc, who has been a member of the Richard Mille family for several years, for their upcoming season in Formula 1," says Mille.

The Richard Mille logo will be featured on the sides of the monocoques of both Sauber's C37 cars, as well as on the team gear and driver overalls.

"We are very pleased to announce our partnership with Richard Mille as new Premium Partner of the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team," says team principal Frédéric Vasseur.

"Working together with such a prestigious brand in the pinnacle of motorsport is rewarding for the team as well as the sport. We look forward to our collaboration in the upcoming season."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter