The world of Formula 1 is brimming with excitement as Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, makes a striking transition into Ferrari’s scarlet ranks. Meanwhile, off the circuits, this legendary driver has rolled out another thrilling development: a multi-year partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. Hamilton’s fans are set to witness unique memorabilia and trading cards featuring his personal touch under an exclusive autograph agreement with Topps, a recent acquisition of Fanatics.
With this landmark deal, Hamilton’s presence in the trading card arena is set to shine brighter than ever. The collaboration will include authenticated signatures and race-worn gear, elevating the allure of Topps-produced releases associated with the motorsports icon. While Hamilton has graced Topps’ general F1 lineup previously, the new arrangement offers him rare creative control over card designs. Perhaps most notably, a share of the proceeds will be channelled to charity, underscoring Hamilton’s commitment to giving back.
Last Friday heralded a celebratory scene in the heart of London, where Hamilton inaugurated Fanatics Collectibles’ flagship store on bustling Regent Street. It was here that he unveiled his first singular Topps Chrome F1 card, poignant with a personal touch: a Ferrari suit and the inscribed words “Forza Ferrari.” Only five copies exist, each passionately sought after by collectors and fans from every corner of the globe.
Topps, having clinched the rights to F1 trading cards and stickers in 2020, has been riding the burgeoning wave of enthusiasm ignited by Netflix’s wildly popular *Drive to Survive*, coupled with the pandemic-driven collectible card boom. The market’s fever pitch has seen eight Topps F1 cards soar past $100,000 at auction, with Hamilton’s 2020 Chrome Superfractor smashing the million-dollar ceiling in 2024. Even a non-autographed version of Hamilton’s Superfractor snagged a staggering $900,000 at a May 2022 auction, while a Chrome Sapphire Padparadscha 1/1 from 2020 garnered another impressive $740,000.
In a conversation with The Athletic ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton nostalgically reminisced about his early days in collecting. “As a kid, every penny I could spare went to Premier League stickers,” he chuckled, recalling how trading these stickers with friends was a pivotal experience of his childhood. “It’s almost surreal to think my own memorabilia can now help causes close to my heart.”
The scene at the Regent Street store stirred deep emotions for Hamilton, as he recounted meeting a fan who had purchased one of his coveted one-of-one cards. “This guy grew up watching F1 and supported Arsenal like me,” he shared with a grin. “Hearing his story was like a nod from the universe—it made me feel like part of a larger family.”
Hamilton was candid about his personal treasure trove when discussing his most cherished keepsakes. Topping his list? A bright yellow go-kart helmet—once a humble DIY project, spray-painted by Hamilton’s father—alongside his debut Monaco trophy and very first race suit. “These ‘firsts’ hold more truth and value than anything else,” he mused.
Beyond the roar of the racetrack, Hamilton finds solace in collecting art and classic cars. Yet his fondest moments come when he unwinds, immersed in the brushstrokes of young Black and African artists, accompanied by nothing more than a glass of wine and contemplation. And when prompted about his most unusual autograph request? A collector once asked him to autograph a pair of dainty Japanese boxer shorts, cheekily scribbling his signature across the back. “It was certainly an odd request,” he laughed, “but it made someone’s day—and that’s enough for me!”
When speculating about the next big names in the card-collecting universe, Hamilton calls it as he sees it: “Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, and Isack Hadjar are on my radar—they’re stars in the making.”
As Lewis Hamilton embarks on his new journey with Ferrari, paired with this groundbreaking Fanatics partnership, fans and collectors alike eagerly await the intersections of adrenaline, history, and legacy that are sure to follow. The promise of unique memorabilia and trading cards is more than just a nod to nostalgia; it’s an affirmation of Hamilton’s continued influence both on and off the track. As with any great race, all eyes are on the horizon, eager to witness what comes next.
