Patrick Dempsey reflects on the legacy of Juan Manuel Fangio
When you talk about icons in Formula 1, you eventually have to stop and bow down to Juan Manuel Fangio. Patrick Dempsey, an actor and TAG Heuer House Ambassador, recently reflected on why the five-time champion remains the greatest of all time. It is his staggering ability to win consistently across such a variety of cars and manufacturers that sets him apart in the history of the sport.
Dempsey notes that his own immersion into 1950s motorsport—gained while portraying Piero Taruffi in the film Ferrari—deepened his appreciation for an era defined by primitive technology and raw danger. While he acknowledges the monumental contributions of drivers like Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton, and the incoming Kimi Antonelli, there is something about the visceral, lethal nature of tracks like the old Spa, the Nurburgring, and Monza with its banking that keeps the past alive.
Beyond the steering wheel, Dempsey finds a deep connection through the history of timekeeping in racing. He recounts purchasing his first vintage Heuer Monaco near Spa during his time in the 2015 World Endurance Championship, a purchase that sparked a collection including an Autavia Heuer and a 'Senna' watch. For Dempsey, these pieces are a tangible link to the rich, authentic heritage that makes TAG Heuer the natural Official Timekeeper for Formula 1.
