In life, every now and then, a truly special type of conversation falls into your lap. You know: they’re those seemingly random conversations you strike up with a stranger. Conversations that just flow. Conversations where everything somehow ‘clicks’.
In one way or another, these sorts of conversations usually leave their mark. Sometimes, it simply seems like such encounters must be more than mere coincidence.
Many years ago now, we bumped into someone who both complemented and accelerated our own musings on life, business and more. Quite rapidly, we became voraciously immersed in one of those delightful, memorable conversations with a then-stranger.
It took our good friend to clue us into the fact that we were speaking with one of Australia’s most esteemed GT drivers and entrepreneurs, Aaron Zerefos. Aaron’s fame wasn’t what stuck with us, though. Our conversation surely did.
At the time, all the way back in 2017, we’d only just opened Robinson Man. However, even from that very first conversation, a strong synergy clearly existed between the Robinson Man ethos and Aaron’s broader entrepreneurial approach. So, we were terrifically taken aback when Aaron happened to visit Robinson Man a little while after our initial meeting.
Aaron has since become a cherished member of the Robinson Man community. The philosophies Aaron lives by, paired with his entrepreneurial success, echo and inspire far beyond the noise of the racetrack.
During his recent “pitstop” in Melbourne, where he frequently travels, we were fortunate to have Aaron “pull up” for an in-depth dialogue with Robinson Man. Unsurprisingly, the concepts Aaron raised left the engines in our brains whirring long after we finished speaking. Aaron came equipped with his unique perspective on what constitutes a considered life, both in and out of the fast lane.
On that note, we’re truly pleased to share Aaron’s insights with you, as part of our Robinson Man Conversation Series. In this new series, we’ve begun to profile just some of the community members who embody the very many values possessed by a ‘Robinson Man’.
We’re sure you’ll find joy and inspiration in this rare interview with Aaron. Read on as we dive into Aaron’s evolving approach to style, his thoughts on business success, how he maintains a balanced life under the spotlight, and more.
Aaron, welcome to Melbourne, and it is wonderful to see you again. You’re often in this city for work but it must be quite the contrast from your “real life”, which you usually split between Sydney and LA. Without starting a debate on Sydney vs Melbourne, as we know you love it here in Melbourne, we’re wondering: what does a visit to Melbourne look like for Aaron Zerefos?
Melbourne has such a great heartbeat. As a foodie, I have some fantastic memories of racing at Albert Park over the years: starting the day with a coffee at Gilson and walking to the track through the park. There aren't many circuits in the world where you can do that.
I also love the Italian passion on Lygon Street, especially when Ferrari wins. I remember going to the official after-party back in 1999 when I’d just started racing Porsches. Crown Casino is always a hotspot for us, too. The F1 Ball held there is a much-anticipated staple on our international circuit as we let off steam post-race. So, Melbourne is filled with fond memories and it’s always a trip which I happily anticipate.
Off-track, though, I’m quite laid back. In Sydney, where I spend a large amount of my time, I tend to keep things a little more low-key, frequenting the same local spots and maintaining my routine. I find that prioritising health, watching the news, and just chatting with the locals about their lives is what really keeps me grounded, even in frenzied times.
We've previously bonded over our like-minded approaches to building purposeful, holistic existences and meaningfully applying this approach to all that we do.
Yet, like so many of our clients, you’re a driven businessman working to a hectic schedule, which surely makes living a purposeful life much more difficult. For readers unfamiliar with your comings-and-goings: it’s not just your racing schedule with which you have to contend, Aaron, but also a packed entrepreneurial schedule, which includes your beverage industry success.
Here at Robinson Man, our central ethos celebrates the idea of living well, over time. This is sometimes a challenge for people living fast-paced lives, which you certainly do. How would you say the Robinson Man philosophy resonates with your lifestyle right now?
That philosophy resonates pretty deeply. These days, I’ve firmly swapped the more frantic energy of my youth for a more laid-back lifestyle. I’m adamant about maintaining a sense of calculated calm in life.
I think that’s why I connect with menswear brands like Robinson Man. The narrative you have articulated in your philosophy mirrors my personal narrative, in many ways. I’d say that my journey over the years represents a shift from being caught up in the raw adrenaline of the track to, in the present moment, embracing the refined discipline of a life well-lived.
That’s been a deliberate, conscious shift for me. Sure, it can seem difficult sometimes to maintain this ethos when my schedule’s packed full, but this is going to be the case no matter what field you’re in or what excuses you make to not pursue and live by your values.
Taking a step back from it all to embrace quality moments is only going to further your lifestyle in the long run. This mode of thinking is something I apply to my work, health, relationships, everything…
Life’s not so different from racing, really; you just need the right sponsors supporting you to get ahead!
It seems we’re both deeply passionate about the concept of consciously choosing a life of considered, purposeful quality over a hurried existence lived in the “fast lane”. Could you share with our readers some thoughts on why privileging quality in all aspects of life is so important to you?
Very few people will, I hope, understand what it’s like to smash against a wall at 250km/h, and it’s hard for others to comprehend what goes through your mind in those moments. I’ll let you in.
It’s at those extremes that you realise the importance of slowing down in life when the time calls for it. For me, that process has involved rejecting the superficial in favour of a slower, more considered life that supports my values at every level.
Quality is the best foundation for building meaningful, thriving things. That remains true whether you’re building a good business, a good wardrobe, or a good life. Embracing quality and knowing when to slow your pace are daily choices you have to make amidst all the commotion life will inevitably bring.
Let’s move onto your approach to style. Your passion for menswear is evident in your new, limited edition Zerefos Racing collection, which we’re proud to stock. Although you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, we’re curious about your recent foray into menswear. Was this a deeply personal project; an exploration and articulation of your own style? Or did you design the collection with a larger purpose in mind?
Zerefos Racing is built on a core philosophy of hard work and dedication. It represents a relentless pursuit of excellence and a winning mindset. I consider Zerefos Racing to be a lifestyle brand and community that embodies passion and the resilience it takes to succeed. So, yes, the collection was designed to represent a much larger ethos, and it’s a message I’m incredibly passionate about spreading through fashion and my words.
That being said, though, I do believe that my personal style, my values, and the lifestyle I live day-to-day are all tied together and complement each other in various ways. I feel pretty strongly about this, actually. I distinctly remember throwing away all my ‘Monaco clothes’ when I was in LA as I simply didn’t feel comfortable with their flashiness any longer.
To me, the Zerefos Racing line serves as a strong statement about embracing authenticity over trends, building on those learnings I’ve gained over the years. That idea was at the forefront of my mind as I put together this collection. I wanted to make garments that sincerely worked for me and the life I lead.
There’s this motto I’ve come to apply to whatever I’m doing, whether that’s in racing, in business, or in my personal life: you are enough. I think my sense of identity has become far more real over the years. Now that I’m 42, I know what I want. Those words, “you are enough”, speak so deeply to me and the creative direction I took with this collection.
I believe that with age, and as you become more comfortable with who you are, your key responsibilities are being true to yourself, knowing your values, and acting on them. That’s partly why this collection is so important to me. Zerefos Racing embodies unpretentious California vibes.
The collection tells the full story about the life I live when I’m at my home in California. I don’t like to feel like I am showing off anywhere I go. That’s not cool in my book. The Zerefos Racing line is a true embodiment of my laid-back, understated Cali lifestyle. Bonus: it is actually practical. These are not flashy garments that are just designed for showing off.
You’ve lived a varied, storied life in the spotlight. Has what you value in menswear changed significantly since you first hit the circuit?
Most definitely. Mainly, with time, I no longer feel a need to impress anyone.
Nowadays, I’d say I take a "lone wolf" mentality to life. To me, that’s not about isolating yourself or totally shutting yourself off from trends and what’s popular. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and not following the crowd. That’s how I shape my wardrobe and my view of menswear.
That same idea shines through in the Zerefos Racing collection. It really just speaks to who I am, where I am at, and the things I came to value once I learned to block out the noise.
Aside from your own Zerefos Racing line, what aesthetic values or trends are you embracing in menswear at the moment?
Currently, I’m feeling most comfortable in myself by taking on the "less is more" philosophy in my dress sense. If I had to define my personal uniform right now, it’d be something like a crisp white shirt, jeans, a sport jacket, Italian shoes, and a Rolex GMT Master II. I really like suits at the moment. I love navy blue. Leonardo DiCaprio has great vibes. That’s a quick run-down of my style inspirations right now.
My wardrobe has always changed over time. Sometimes, my style can be influenced by where I’m located. Other times, admittedly, I may clash a fair bit with the locals when it comes to my taste in menswear. For example, LA style is very different to what they’re wearing in Monaco, as I mentioned earlier. It is, for me, a real privilege to be able to travel and observe the fashion sensibilities of different cities. For instance, Bondi Beach style and St Barts style are just worlds apart.
I’d also say the garments by James Perse resonate with the qualities I value in my wardrobe, and in life more generally. I’m keen to see what James Perse has lined up for their upcoming SS26 collection, so I’ll maybe be paying you a visit or two when that drops. The James Perse brand is the hallmark of the California lifestyle that I know, that I live and for which I am grateful to experience. I’ve been a long-time Robinson Man client, as you know, of course. I was drawn to you because your garments bring quality to the fore.
At the end of the day, I think it all circles back to your personal preferences, your values and even your upbringing when it comes to dissecting your own style and its influences. Basically, I like to feel relaxed but confident, so my style will always reflect that, even as it continues to evolve. I firmly believe luxury isn't about accumulation; it’s rather about having the confidence of being complete in yourself without all the extra distractions.
Okay, here’s what we’ve been waiting to ask this entire conversation. Please, tell us what’s your favourite car that you’ve ever driven?
That’s the important stuff, right there!
My favourite car I have driven would have to be the Porsche GT3 Cup car. It felt so raw. That one’s a real drivers’ car. It feels almost indescribable around corners. Plus, when that rear engine boxer engine really comes to life at 8,000rpm… well, it’s a beautiful sound.
Thank you, Aaron. We are, as usual, truly inspired by your unwavering dedication to crafting a genuinely profound life while also racing in the very literal fast lane. Best of luck with it all; the Robinson Man community shall be cheering you on.
Want more? Be sure to keep up with Aaron’s progress in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, which will be held in Melbourne's Albert Park from 5–9 March 2026. For a limited time, you can also obtain Aaron’s Cali-inspired, pared-back Zerefos Racing caps in-store or online from Robinson Man. Don’t miss this chance to get your hands on some truly legendary and thoughtfully-designed merchandise, stocked exclusively at Robinson Man.
