Lando Norris, the McLaren Formula 1 wunderkind has clinched first position at the recent Singapore Grand Prix. Even with his brief respite at the winner's podium, Norris' is off to another track to eye his next pole position. As someone on the go, Norris' partnership with TUMI exemplifies their shared values of precision, performance and innovation.
As TUMI is the perfect companion for the professional who isn't content to remain still, Norris is the embodiment of a lifestyle that demands efficiency while traveling globally. We spoke to Norris before his historic win about what he does in Singapore, what he brings whenever he travels and about his association with TUMI.
ESQUIRE SINGAPORE: What do you look forward to the most at the Singapore Grand Prix?
LANDO NORRIS: It's where I first started the lando.jpg account, so I try to go around and capture bits whenever I'm in Singapore.
ESQ: Given the Singaporean climate, how does it affect your performance?
LN: I’d say it doesn’t affect my performance but we do prepare for this race differently than we usually would for others by doing more heat training beforehand and ice baths straight after the session.
ESQ: How do you and your team adapt your routine during the race weekend to align with the night race schedule?
LN: We pretty much stay on European time for the whole weekend, meaning we have dinner when people are having breakfast and vice versa.
ESQ: Where do you usually head to whenever you’re in Singapore?
LN: I've started playing Padel over the last year or so and there's a court I went to last year so I'll try to go there again this year!
ESQ: What are some things that you’d always take with you when you travel?
LN: I’m a big gamer, so I usually bring my gaming laptop which is why I love the TUMI Navigation Backpack—it’s large enough to fit it along with my other stuff. I’m also always bringing an LN4 hoodie. I love wearing comfortable clothes when I travel.
ESQ: What does being a TUMI ambassador mean to you personally and professionally?
LN: This is my third year as a TUMI ambassador, and it’s been fun working with the team. TUMI and I both value the importance of innovation and functionality while still looking good. TUMI products—from the packing cases to backpacks to accessories like the shoe bag and packing cubes—have optimised my travel experience and allowed me to focus on being my best. Whether it’s preparing for a race weekend or being present with those around me.
ESQ: What aspects of TUMI's values and products resonate most with your personal and professional ethos?
LN: Both TUMI and I are always striving to succeed and evolve. I’m always looking to optimise my performance, and similarly, TUMI is always innovating and evolving its products.
ESQ: How do you incorporate TUMI products into your daily life and travels? Are there any specific items you find indispensable?
LN: Since I’m travelling so often, I always have some TUMI with me—usually my carry-on case or backpack. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but I find myself reaching for the 19 Degree Aluminium carry-on case the most often. It’s extremely stylish and also functional—really can’t go wrong.
ESQ: What excites you most about the new Turin collection? Which bag from the Turin collection do you personally prefer and what makes it stand out to you?
LN: I love that Turin is super sleek, the standout item for me has to be the Allora Tote with the silver “T” logo.
ESQ: What role does travel play outside of racing and how do TUMI products enhance that experience?
LN: Travel, beyond the realm of racing, offers an opportunity to connect with people and experience different cultures. TUMI ensures that these experiences are as seamless as possible by providing functional and durable products. Whether I need a compact sling for a day trip or a spacious packing case for a two-week journey, TUMI has everything I need for smooth travelling.
ESQ: Any memorable story or experience where TUMI products made a significant difference for you?
LN: I'd say it's being able to get all of my things back into my bags by the end of the weekend, it seems like no matter how badly I pack it all goes back in!
ESQ: Looking ahead, how do you see your role with TUMI evolve?
LN: Both TUMI and I share a deep commitment to performance and excellence in our respective fields. As our partnership evolves, I look forward to us pushing boundaries and driving innovation together.
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Aesthetics matter—there's no doubt about that. We're all attracted to things that we find to be beautiful. And though that typically differs person to person, some things are pretty universal.
Like good design, for example. Tumi's 19 Degree collection exemplifies this with its distinct contours sculpted precisely at a 19-degree angle (hence the name). It's the kind of design aesthetic that's stunning on its own and unless it's an (highly) unlikely situation where the entire baggage carousel consists of variations of 19 Degree luggage, it grabs attention immediately.
But of course, aesthetics are not everything, especially when it relates to design.
"At Tumi we find beauty in elements that aren’t typically thought of as beautiful, from the smooth glide of the wheels to the resilience of 19 Degree's aluminium," says Tumi creative director Victor Sanz.
The design engineering behind the 19 Degree collection is highlighted in Tumi's latest campaign, 'Essentially Beautiful'. Fronted by Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-Min and Formula 1 driver Lando Norris, the campaign showcases the effortlessness of the collection in motion. Beyond that—and something not distinguishable by look alone—the campaign stills display the full collection's signature exterior that are consciously made from post-industrial recycled polycarbonate, with lining derived from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
The latest Tumi 19 Degree collection also features a slew of seasonal colours. Red, hunter green, blush and deep plum offer more bold options, in addition to two new textured colourways.
So yes, aesthetics matter. But couple that with good design engineering and you'll probably end up with a luggage series that makes life a tad easier and aesthetically pleasing.
