In a thrilling twist that has captured the attention of sports memorabilia enthusiasts and racing fans alike, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has embarked on a vibrant new partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. This collaboration rides the tailwind of Hamilton’s monumental shift to Ferrari, as he gears up to showcase his racing prowess in the signature red attire for the first time after a storied twelve-year career with Mercedes.
Through a multi-year contract with Fanatics, Hamilton’s affinity for collecting has been brought to the forefront. The agreement brings together Hamilton’s illustrious career and Fanatics’ expertise in officially licensed memorabilia. The deal includes an exclusive autograph agreement with Topps, a distinguished name in the world of trading cards, which was acquired by Fanatics last year. This collaboration not only guarantees authenticated Hamilton signatures and gear but provides him with an unprecedented opportunity to creatively influence card designs.
Launching into this new venture, Hamilton was front and center at the opening of Fanatics Collectibles’ flagship store on Regent Street, London. With flourish and excitement, he presented his first one-of-one Topps Chrome F1 card, marked with “Forza Ferrari” and sporting his iconic Ferrari suit. This special card, alongside only five red-parallel copies, has already become the apple of collectors’ eyes around the globe.
Topps has held the trading card rights for Formula 1 since 2020, a strategic move that coincided with the sport’s exploding popularity, largely fueled by the Netflix documentary series, Drive to Survive, and a subsequent boom in the collectibles market during the pandemic. This has seen Hamilton’s cards consistently fetch astronomical prices at auctions, with his 2020 Chrome Superfractor card breaching the million-dollar mark at auction late last year. Other editions have similarly commanded attention, demonstrating the significant demand for Hamilton-themed memorabilia.
Ahead of his anticipated appearance at the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton shared insights about his lifelong passion for collecting in an exclusive interview with The Athletic. “As a kid, I’d spend every spare penny on Premier League stickers,” Hamilton fondly recalled. “Trading those packs with friends meant everything. I never imagined one day my own memorabilia would support causes I care about.”
His interaction with fans during the London event was poignant. Hamilton relayed a surprising encounter with a fan who had purchased one of his limited-edition cards, mirroring his own experience growing up as an F1 and Arsenal admirer. “Hearing his story made me feel we’re part of something bigger,” Hamilton remarked with warmth and a sense of connection.
Reflecting on his personal memorabilia, Hamilton highlights a few cherished possessions: his inaugural yellow go-kart helmet, a keepsake lovingly spray-painted by his father; his debut Monaco trophy, a symbol of early triumph; and the very first race suit he donned. “Those ‘firsts’ mean more than anything,” he said with a nostalgic glow.
Outside the high-octane world of racing, Hamilton’s collecting pursuits extend to vintage cars and art. Yet, he finds his greatest solace amidst canvases, especially those crafted by young Black or African artists, often with a glass of wine in hand. Sharing a whimsical anecdote, Hamilton chuckled about the peculiar request he once received—to autograph a pair of tiny Japanese boxer shorts, right along the back as per the unique collector’s request. “It was bizarre,” Hamilton confessed, “but hey, it made someone’s day!”
For fans and collectors trying to spot the next big thing in collectibles, Hamilton’s advice is to look out for up-and-coming racers like Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, and Isack Hadjar. “He’s one to watch,” Hamilton assured with the keen eye of a collector who knows the value of an early find.
In entwining his storied racing career with a passion for collectibles, Lewis Hamilton is not only appealing to a global community of fans but also encouraging an ethos of giving back through charitable causes. His partnership with Fanatics and Topps is setting a warm, philanthropic pulse in the competitive world of sports memorabilia, marking a new chapter where passion meets innovation and impact.
