Lewis Hamilton, a name synonymous with thrilling Formula 1 victories and dazzling charisma, is shifting gears into an arena adorned with memorabilia and trading cards. As he dons the famous Ferrari red for the first time, Hamilton embarks on a captivating partnership with Fanatics Collectibles, bringing his competitive spirit into the realm of cherished keepsakes.
The multi-year deal with Fanatics opens a new chapter for the seven-time world champion, who will now offer officially licensed memorabilia and trading cards under an exclusive autograph pact with Topps—an acquisition Fanatics proudly secured last year. This marks a significant evolution of Hamilton’s presence in the trading card world, as he vents his creative flair for card designs while ensuring each piece supports meaningful charitable initiatives.
Standing at the heart of Fanatics Collectibles’ Regent Street flagship in London, Hamilton christened their collaboration by revealing his one-of-a-kind Topps Chrome F1 card. Clad in Ferrari regalia, the card is proudly inscribed with the rousing words “Forza Ferrari.” With only five red-parallel versions of this card in existence, it’s already generating an undeniable buzz among collectors worldwide.
Topps, which clinched the F1 trading card and sticker rights in 2020, has turned the frenzy surrounding Formula 1 into a golden opportunity, propelled by the Netflix phenomenon “Drive to Survive” and the wider pandemic-era trading card boom. This lucrative market has seen a number of Topps F1 cards pass the $100,000 auction barrier, with Hamilton’s 2020 Chrome Superfractor making headlines when it soared past the million-dollar threshold in December 2024. Hamilton’s non-autographed Superfractor saw a hefty $900,000 sale in May 2022, and his 2020 Chrome Sapphire Padparadscha 1/1 achieved an impressive $740,000 later that year in September.
Before diving into the excitement of the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton took a reflective pause to share what fuels his passion for collecting. “Growing up, every spare penny I had went into buying Premier League stickers,” he nostalgically recounted. “Trading those with friends was everything. It’s surreal to think my memorabilia now can help causes I care about.”
When surrounded by fans at the London store, Hamilton found a personal narrative that resonated deeply with him. “There was this guy who purchased one of my one-of-one cards,” Hamilton chuckled. “He grew up loving F1 and Arsenal, just like me. It’s moments like these that make you feel like you’re part of something much larger.”
When pressed about his most treasured mementos, Hamilton highlighted a few historical gems: his inaugural yellow go-kart helmet—lovingly spray-painted by his father at B&Q—his debut Monaco trophy, and his very first race suit. “These ‘firsts’ hold untold value,” he affirmed with an earnest smile.
Outside the roar of engines and the cheering of captivated crowds, Hamilton’s collections venture into artistic territory and classic automobiles. Yet, his tranquil retreats often involve admiring canvases—with a glass of wine in hand—from young Black or African artists. This passion mingles with humor too, as evidenced by his oddest auto-graphic encounter: a pair of tiny Japanese boxer shorts that a collector requested he sign—right across the back. “It was peculiar,” Hamilton chuckled, “but it sure brought joy to someone’s day!”
When pondering the future stars of racing memorabilia, Hamilton’s predictions are insightful. “Keep an eye on Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman—and definitely Isack Hadjar. He’s one most people should watch out for.”
As Lewis Hamilton embarks on this new journey with Fanatics Collectibles and Ferrari, it’s clear his passion extends far beyond the race track. Through this partnership, Hamilton continues to harness his formidable legacy, driving meaningful impact through the art of collecting. While he conquers new frontiers at Ferrari, his memorabilia serve as tangible relics that connect him to past, present, and future fans alike.