Seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has always been a man in tune with speed, style, and collecting impressive accolades. Now, he’s made a pit stop in the realm of memorabilia, announcing a much-anticipated multi-year collaboration with Fanatics Collectibles. This new venture is timed perfectly with his first foray onto the racing track in Ferrari’s iconic red, marking a significant transition after over a decade with Mercedes. This deal positions Hamilton not just as a motorsport virtuoso but as a creative force in the world of collectibles, where officially licensed memorabilia and trading cards will now bear his exclusive autograph courtesy of an agreement with Topps.
The partnership with Fanatics is poised to rev up Hamilton’s prominence on trading cards, each coming with authenticated signatures and pieces of his race-worn gear. While he has graced the cards as part of Topps’ general Formula 1 offerings before, this new arrangement hands him the steering wheel, allowing creative input into card designs. Furthermore, a portion of the proceeds will gracefully drift towards charitable causes Hamilton supports, reflecting his commitment to using his platform for good.
Hamilton made a special appearance last Friday, cutting the proverbial ribbon at Fanatics Collectibles’ shiny new Regent Street flagship in London. It was here that he unveiled a sparkling Topps Chrome F1 card featuring himself in a Ferrari suit, each inscribed with “Forza Ferrari”—a nod to his new racing team. With just five red-parallel versions in existence, these cards have instantly become coveted treasures in the collectible world.
The journey of F1 into the trading card spotlight was accelerated when Topps, acquired by Fanatics last year, secured the sport’s trading card and sticker rights in 2020. The move tapped into a surge of interest fueled by Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” and a trading-card revival during the pandemic. Some cards have fetched astronomical prices, like Hamilton’s 2020 Chrome Superfractor, breaking the million-dollar barrier in December 2024, an impressive spectacle for collectibles aficionados. His non-autographed Superfractor pulled in a cool $900,000 in 2022, while the 2020 Chrome Sapphire Padparadscha 1/1 managed $740,000 on the auction block in September of that year.
In a reflective conversation with The Athletic ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton mused about his childhood passion for collecting. He fondly recalled spending his spare change on Premier League stickers, a formative hobby that laid the groundwork for his later success. Trading those stickers with friends encapsulated the essence of communal joy—a feeling Hamilton hopes to replicate with his memorabilia, now set to fund causes close to his heart.
His experience meeting fans in London was heartwarming, indicative of the shared bond collectibles can foster. One memorable encounter was with a fan who had secured one of Hamilton’s one-of-one cards. It was a serendipitous meeting that resonated with both; they had both grown up immersed in the excitement of Formula 1 and Arsenal football matches. This shared history struck Hamilton, reinforcing the sense of a collective narrative in sports and memorabilia.
Discussing the keepsakes closest to his heart, Hamilton highlighted those marking significant ‘firsts.’ Among these are his initial yellow go-kart helmet, creatively spray-painted by his father, his debut Monaco trophy, and the first race suit he ever wore. These items, each carrying a piece of his personal and professional history, hold immense sentimental value.
Outside the frenetic pace of racing, Hamilton’s quieter pursuits include art and classic cars. He cherishes moments alone with a glass of wine, appreciating works by emerging Black or African artists, revealing a multifaceted appreciation for creativity beyond the track. And occasionally, there are those moments that blend racing legacy with humor—like the day he was asked to autograph a pair of miniature Japanese boxer shorts, signing it upon its unique request across the back. It was an unusual demand, but Hamilton’s signature brought joy to someone, however peculiar the request.
As the world of collectibles continues to captivate diverse audiences, Hamilton has his eye on the next big names in racing cards: Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, and the promising Isack Hadjar. These drivers, according to Hamilton, are the next wave of talent to watch, poised to leave their marks both on the track and in the hearts of fans and collectors alike.
