Lewis Hamilton, renowned for his indomitable prowess on the Formula 1 circuit, is now turning some of that electric energy toward a venture off the track. Enter a multi-year partnership with Fanatics Collectibles that’s as thrilling as a last-lap overtake. Just as this seven-time F1 champion takes his first revs donning Ferrari’s iconic red, he’s unveiled an exciting deal that fuses two passions of his life: racing and collecting.
Hamilton has been an undeniable force in motorsport, and his recent transition from Mercedes to Ferrari marks a new chapter not only for his illustrious career but for fans eager to snag a piece of history. Under this invigorating partnership, Fanatics Collectibles will feature exclusive memorabilia and trading cards, each personally imbued with Hamilton’s creative flair and authenticated under Topps’ prestigious banner. For Hamilton, who has been gracing the Topps cards with his presence for years, this partnership offers the unique opportunity to have creative input on designs—an artist behind the wheel and beyond.
The partnership was launched in style last Friday at Fanatics Collectibles’ sprawling flagship on Regent Street in London—a place where history, tradition, and innovation converge splendidly. Here, Hamilton had the honor of revealing his debut for this venture: an exclusive one-of-one Topps Chrome F1 card, the first of its kind featuring him clad in Ferrari’s colors. Inscribed with “Forza Ferrari,” this card—fewer than a handful in existence—had collectors buzzing with excitement akin to the high pitch of an F1 engine.
Topps is no stranger to the racing world and the fervor it inspires. Since securing rights to F1 trading card and sticker products in 2020, they have ridden the crest of a wave fueled by a Netflix docu-series and a global boom in collectible trading. Hamilton’s own cards have found themselves as stars at auctions, with eye-popping prices that reflect the legend’s prestige and charisma—his 2020 Chrome Superfractor card raced past the million-dollar threshold, a testament to the memorabilia’s magnetic allure.
Every story has its roots, and for Hamilton, the love affair with collecting began in the simpler, more innocent days of childhood. Speaking with an air of nostalgia, he reminisced about those early years invested in collecting Premier League stickers. Trading these cherished items with friends wasn’t just a hobby but a cherished ritual. “I never imagined one day my own memorabilia would support causes I care about,” Hamilton noted, his eyes hinting at dreams now realized as his merchandise supports charitable endeavors dear to his heart.
Hamilton’s interaction with fans often turns moments into memories, striking the kind of personal chords that money can’t buy. One fan, who had secured one of those rare one-of-one cards, shared his story. It was a heartwarming narrative of watching Formula 1 and Arsenal, echoing Hamilton’s own childhood. It’s in these exchanges that Hamilton found a sense of community and shared passion—knowing he’s part of something larger than just the sport.
When queried about the personal keepsakes he treasures most, Hamilton cited several ‘firsts’: his initial yellow go-kart helmet, spray-painted by his father in a humble B&Q; his debut Monaco trophy, gleaming under the kind of lights that make legends; and the very first race suit he wore on the track. These items, more than anything, remain imbued with sentimental value, reminders of a journey that has raced through every corner of the globe.
Away from the roaring engines, Hamilton’s life is surprisingly serene. He finds solace in art and vintage cars, indulging in the simple pleasure of gazing at canvases with a glass of wine in hand, especially relishing works by young Black or African artists. It’s an appreciation for creativity that perhaps mirrors his own life story—a vivid composition crafted one daring move at a time. And yet, even in the world of signing autographs, Hamilton’s experiences are as varied as they are memorable. The request to sign tiny Japanese boxer shorts was, according to him, a bizarre yet delightful moment. But then, in true Hamilton style, if it makes someone’s day, why not?
As for the next big stars in the trading card galaxy, Hamilton, ever the keen observer of talent, has his eyes set on Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, and Isack Hadjar—names that, perhaps, in years to come, will be whispered with the same reverence as his own. Hamilton’s ability to spot rising stars on and off the track only further cements his legacy—one that encapsulates speed, victory, and a genuine passion for the little treasures that commemorate it all.
