Lewis Hamilton Partners with Fanatics Collectibles, Shares His Most Treasured Keepsakes

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has signed a multi-year partnership with Fanatics Collectibles as he embarks on his debut season with Ferrari after a dozen years at Mercedes.

Under the agreement, memorabilia and trading cards featuring Hamilton will be produced exclusively by Topps—now part of Fanatics—including an autograph deal that guarantees Hamilton’s signature and authenticated race-worn items on specially issued cards.

Last Friday, Hamilton helped cut the ribbon on Fanatics Collectibles’ new London flagship on Regent Street. There, he unveiled his first Topps Chrome F1 one-of-one card in a striking Ferrari race suit, complete with a “Forza Ferrari” inscription. Only five red-parallel versions of that card will ever exist.

Topps has held the official F1 trading card and sticker license since 2020, riding the wave of Netflix’s Drive to Survive and the pandemic-driven trading-card boom. Since then, at least eight Topps F1 cards have sold for over $100,000—including Hamilton’s one-of-a-kind 2020 Topps Chrome F1 autographed Superfractor, which fetched more than $1 million in December 2024. In fact, Hamilton holds each spot in the top three F1 card auctions to date, with his non-autographed Superfractor selling for $900,000 in May 2022 and his Sapphire Edition Padparadscha 1/1 card going for $740,000 in September 2022.

Before jetting off to Miami for this weekend’s Grand Prix, Hamilton spoke with The Athletic about why he chose Fanatics, what he loves to collect, and which up-and-coming drivers are must-haves for card enthusiasts.

On joining Fanatics: “I met Michael Rubin and was blown away by his passion. Growing up, I collected Premier League stickers—every spare cent went into those little packs. I never imagined I’d have my own memorabilia cards one day, but now they help raise money for charity, and that personal connection means everything.”

On meeting collectors: “It was surreal meeting someone who has one of my one-of-one cards. He grew up watching F1 and Arsenal—just like me—and hearing his story made me feel like we’re on the same journey. Plus, this store is huge and beautifully done; it feels like home for collectors.”

Hamilton admits some of his most cherished pieces include his very first go-kart helmet—the yellow one his dad painted at B&Q—and his debut Monaco Grand Prix trophy. He still treasures the first race suit he wore, pointing out that “back then I only had one suit for years.”

Reflecting on his million-dollar card milestone, Hamilton confessed, “It’s pretty crazy. I never thought that would be possible. Hearing how that sale changed a fan’s life proves just how powerful this hobby can be.”

When asked which young driver’s cards he’d snap up, Hamilton didn’t hesitate: “Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman—and especially Isack Hadjar. He’s got the whole package.”

Beyond racing memorabilia, Hamilton’s collecting habit extends to art and vintage cars. “I love to sit at home with a glass of wine, admiring a painting—especially works by up-and-coming Black artists and African art. There’s so much to discover.”

And for a bit of fun, he revealed the oddest item he’s ever signed: a tiny pair of Japanese boxer shorts. “They asked me to sign right across the butt,” he laughed. “It was weird, but I signed them anyway. I imagine someone dancing around, proud of that signature!”