THE NEW F1 FRAGRANCES RACE COLLECTION | REVIEW

Today I want to talk about the amazing F1 Fragrances Race Collection. In case you haven't heard, I love F1. I know for a fact the Netflix series Drive to Survive has also introduced a whole new audience to my favourite sport. Which is good and bad. Good that more people are talking about it and I don't feel like such an outsider when I bring it up in the pub. Bad that I now have a complete wave of people asking if I'm 'Alright' each time Hamilton loses. Yes I'm a huge Hamilton fan and what happened to him last year was just cruel and unfathomable. 

But this is a sport that has millions riding on every single race, and despite all the training and scrutiny over strategies, it can all come undone rather quickly on turn one. 

Still let’s get to the fragrances

The F1 Fragrances Race Collection is designed for both, F1 fans and fragrance lovers. The five unique scents come in five elegant yet sportive colours with bottles designed by Ross Lovegrove, inspired by the  aerodynamics of the chassis of an F1 car. Each bottle accompanied by a stand visibly inspired by F1 tyres. 

The launch of the F1 Fragrances Race Collection compliments the previous presentation of the F1 Fragrances Engineered Collection in 2020, a Haute Perfumery compilation created for the ultimate lovers of avant-garde perfumery and design.

"Formula 1 is a sport that touches every sense. Those fans who have had first-hand experience of the thrills and excitement of a Grand Prix will never forget it. A scent can be very powerful in reliving experiences and memories," said Ellie Norman, Director of Marketing and Communications at Formula 1. 

Precious Mettle

In a bottle as steely as the nerves of an F1 driver preparing for the race ahead, Precious Mettle opens with a burst of freshness. Classic notes of leather that drives the sense of courageousness. Lavender and patchouli combined with airy mandarin and metallic pepper. A thrilling citrus woody fragrance with a brilliance that evokes the adrenaline rush of the race. 

My thoughts: Got the lavender straight away. Quite a citrusy fragrance and settled nicely into the leather and woody notes. Would wear this to the office or client meetings. 

Turn 1

The solid black bottle drawn from the deep asphalt tones of the track, Turn 1 is a fresh and mineral fragrance - evoking the tension of the tyres and the drivers performance on the wet tarmac. The saltiness of rain and the electrifying energy of intense turns. The ozonic spice of angelica mixed with vibrant woods, aromatic violet leaf and inky oakmoss. A woody aromatic scent that symbolises the car on the track.

My thoughts: Unsure what to make of this initially. But it got a lot of compliments, more than any other fragrance from the collection. I think it's not identifiable by any particular note, which gives it intrigue. Would wear on a first date. Its non-offensive and a good conversation stimulator. 

Overtake 320

A volcanic red inspired by the heat and energy of the race. Overtake 320 is all about the intensity of Formula 1. The moment smoking tyres spin as the car speeds up, and the immense power of the engines. Fiery cinnamon and pink pepper melt into a warm blend of tonka bean, vanilla and guaiac wood. A spicy amber that accelerates at lightning speed.

My thoughts: Probably the youngest of the 5 scents. Would say this sits in the 20-30s range. It does have spice, but it's not an overly mature scent. The sweetness of the cinnamon is invigorating, but I found it a bit saccharin for my taste. Would wear to the gym and other events where I'm looking to smell nice but not fussed over a decent impression. 

Neeum White

The appearance is deceptive. The innocent slick white bottle is as daring as the fearlessness of our F1 heroes racing down the home straight. Crisp and streamlined, an audacious note of narcissus subtly twisted by the slick powder of iris, aromatic juniper and black pepper with the richness of leather. A fougere floral that celebrates the uncompromising thrill of this technical scent.

My thoughts: My favourite scent of the collection. It has all the crisp richness that I was hoping for when I read the notes. It's also the more masculine fragrance of the collection and verges close on black tie, but not entirely. Would wear to dinner, date night or a smart/casual evening press event. 

Carbon Reign

The thrill of victory - capturing the euphoria on the podium, Carbon Reign is a fragrance that celebrates the joy of the win. Energetic notes of pink and timut pepper convey triumph in a shower of sparks, with thrilling notes of geranium, lavender and amber crystals. An aromatic woody fragrance charged with energy. 

My thoughts: This was Tuula’s favourite. Not over powering and went to some interesting places on the dry-down. Would wear to the bedroom, naturally. 

Available to buy at the F1 Fragrance website. £60 per bottle.