“It feels like the moment just before a race,” says Lando Norris, “when my helmet goes on, the adrenaline kicks in, and it’s time to go.” Of course he’s referring to that first spritz of eau de toilette, specifically Ralph Lauren Polo Red, with invigorating notes of red grapefruit and lemon oils, spicy red saffron and a jolt of coffee berry accord. As the face of the campaign, Norris embodies the spirit of the scent, and even matches his racing jacket to the bold red bottle, a sleek design with matte black accents and sleek curves inspired by Ralph Lauren’s own car collection. Here, Norris reflects on how scent inspires his performance on the track — and off!
GRAZIA: What is your first scent memory?
Lando Norris: The smell of fuel and rubber reminds me of the excitement I felt in my earliest days of racing.
GRAZIA: Why did you decide to partner with Polo Red? How does the scent resonate with you?
Norris: The first moment I spritzed on Polo Red, the scent reminded me of the feeling I get before an important race—anticipation, excitement, and adrenaline.
GRAZIA: Are there any notes in the fragrance that evoke personal memories, whether it be from your childhood or your career as a Formula 1 Racing Driver?
Norris: One thing I love about being a racing driver is getting to travel across the world throughout the racing season. Each of the ingredients in Polo Red are native to different parts of the world, so I like to think that the fragrance bottles up all my memorable moments from racing around the world.
GRAZIA: Do you wear fragrance on race days? What about scent helps to propel you during a race?
Norris: Recently, I’ve been spritzing on some Polo Red before my races. The scents of your surroundings are intense when you’re driving because of the airflow in the car. When I was in Austin, Texas, you could smell barbecues and food stands, it’s crazy to imagine there’s somebody out there cooking food and I can smell it in the car! At other tracks I’ve not really thought about it, but I’ll let you know what I smell most when I’m next in the car in Vegas.
“THE SMELL OF FUEL AND RUBBER REMINDS ME OF THE EXCITEMENT I FELT IN MY EARLIEST DAYS OF RACING.”
GRAZIA: How do you apply your fragrance? Any special spots you like to spritz?
Norris: Just the usual places, really! Start with my neck and chest, then wrists and sometimes I’ll add a bit to the back of my neck if I’m feeling it!
GRAZIA: The campaign for Polo Red invites one to “Design Your Dreams.” What does this notion mean to you? Are you always designing your dreams?
Norris: In racing, you’re driven by a desire to win. That desire to win is what’s fueled me to design my dream of a career in racing. I was determined from an early age to do whatever it takes. Since I was 7 years old and had my first experience with kart racing, I’ve worked tirelessly to make that dream come true. From major achievements in the junior ranks of karting to competing in Formula 3, then Formula 2, and now, Formula 1, I’ve always been focused on the track to success.
