Lewis Hamilton, the virtuoso of the racing circuit and owner of seven world titles, has entered a new race—outside the track—with an intriguing and nostalgic collaboration with Fanatics Collectibles. This multi-year partnership marks a new chapter as Hamilton dons the crimson of Ferrari, moving from Mercedes after twelve successful years. As if this transition wasn’t exciting enough, Hamilton has teamed up with Fanatics to offer an exclusive line of officially licensed memorabilia and trading cards featuring his authenticated autograph, produced by none other than Topps. Fanatics’ acquisition of Topps just last year adds yet another layer to this iconic collaboration.

In this fresh partnership, Hamilton’s presence on trading cards is not just elevated; it’s personalized. For the first time, Hamilton has a say in card designs, allowing him to infuse his flair into the collectibles. There’s a philanthropic twist too—part of the proceeds will be directed towards charitable initiatives that Hamilton holds dear.

Last Friday marked a significant moment in this chapter, with Hamilton himself cutting the ribbon at the Fanatics Collectibles’ swanky flagship on London’s Regent Street. Here, he launched his premier one-of-one Topps Chrome F1 card, beautifully adorned in Ferrari’s iconic red, inscribed personally with “Forza Ferrari.” This card sheds light on his new journey and quickly became a coveted item among global collectors, with only five red-parallel versions in existence.

The trading card world is no stranger to Hamilton’s mark. Back in 2020, Topps acquired the official trading card and sticker rights for F1, and it couldn’t have been better timed. The boom in interest spurred by Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” combined with a broader trading-card resurgence during the pandemic propelled the demand for F1 collectibles. Since then, Hamilton’s cards have consistently outperformed most. Eight Topps F1 cards have surpassed $100,000 at auction, including Hamilton’s 2020 Chrome Superfractor, which crossed the million-dollar threshold in December 2024. Other remarkable sales include his non-autographed Superfractor fetching $900,000 in May 2022 and the 2020 Chrome Sapphire Padparadscha 1/1 drawing $740,000 later that same year.

Before jetting off to the Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton shared reflections on his affection for collecting with The Athletic. His voice carried an echo of nostalgia as he recounted, “As a kid, I’d spend every spare penny on Premier League stickers. Trading those packs with friends meant everything. I never imagined one day my own memorabilia would support causes I care about.”

The camaraderie and community surrounding collection resonate deeply with Hamilton, a theme reiterated in his stories from meeting fans at the London launch. “I met someone who bought one of my one-of-one cards,” Hamilton beamed. “He grew up watching F1 and Arsenal just like me. Hearing his story made me feel we’re part of something bigger.”

When asked about his most cherished mementos, Hamilton’s eyes lit up as he listed the items: a DIY spray-painted yellow go-kart helmet, his first Monaco trophy, and the race suit from his inaugural racing days. “Those ‘firsts’ mean more than anything,” was his candid answer.

Hamilton’s interest isn’t confined to racing memorabilia. Outside the spotlight, he is an avid art and vintage car collector. Yet his most serene moments are spent with canvases, often cradling a glass of wine and getting lost in artworks by young Black and African artists. Despite the high-octane excitement of his day job, he finds tranquility and inspiration in these personal pockets of time.

However, not all requests are predictable in the life of a superstar. Hamilton chuckled while recalling the strangest autograph request to date—a pair of tiny Japanese boxer shorts, branding them with his signature across the back. “It was bizarre,” he admitted, “but hey, it made someone’s day!”

As for the future of collectible cards, Hamilton’s advice to enthusiasts is clear. “Keep an eye out for Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman—and definitely Isack Hadjar. He’s one to watch.”

With his passion seamlessly blending racing history and personal stories into every card, Hamilton’s partnership with Fanatics Collectibles is poised to inspire fans and collectors alike, while maintaining the thrill and community that has come to define the Formula One experience.

Fanatics London Store