Michael Fassbender follows Newman and McQueen as an actor turned racer at Le Mans

Ricardo Sime

There’s a storied history of thrill-seeking actors jumping behind the wheel of a fast machine. There was Steve McQueen and his escapades on his motorbike and Paul Newman who spent decades racing in American series. They’re known as much for their acting prowess as they’re known for their love of racing. So it’s no surprise that one of this generations most respected actors has decided to follow in their footsteps and do the same.

And at Le Mans no less.

That actor is Michael Fassbender. Known for his role in the Aliens prequels and the recent X Men movies, Fassbender competed at the annual endurance race, driving a Porsche 911 RSR-19. His interest in the sport is probably news to some, and definitely news to this writer. Yet after doing some digging, it seems as if Fassbender has been racing for quite some time. And he’s been training with Porsche specifically to tackle Le Mans since 2019.

Of course, seeing as Newman and McQueen are also synonymous with specific watches (the Monaco and Daytona, respectively), I had to find out what Fassbender has been wearing during his racing escapades. A quick look at the wrist and I knew It was a TAG Heuer. Some browsing on their website led me to the specific reference. A limited edition TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche. Not a bad choice at all as they’re a brand that corners the market on actor/racers.

Sadly though, in terms of race results, Fassbender didn’t grab the checkered flag. He ended his time at Le Mans finishing 51 out of 62 in the race. Though he wasn’t successful on this attempt, I think many would agree, he’s living the dream that every one of us who owns a chronograph and a pair of leather driving gloves (in our Honda glove compartment), has had.