As the engines roar and the rubber grips the track yet again for the seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, another exciting venture zooms into his road map. Stepping into a new season of his illustrious career in the splendid crimson of Ferrari, Hamilton isn’t just navigating the high-octane turns of motorsport but is also revving up a collaborative enterprise with Fanatics Collectibles. This long-term partnership promises to offer fans officially licensed memorabilia and trading cards adorned with his distinct, authenticated signatures.
Lewis Hamilton, who has etched his name in the annals of racing history primarily behind the wheel for Mercedes, is now steering towards a fresh narrative, not just with Ferrari’s legendary legacy but also with Topps, a brand well-known in the realm of collectibles that has recently joined the Fanatics family. This partnership is more than just stamping his name on products; it offers Hamilton a canvas to craft the design of his memorabilia, with proceeds also coursing towards charitable causes close to his heart.
The buzz was palpable last Friday as Hamilton donned his new threads and revealed something uniquely special at Fanatics Collectibles’ flagship store on the famed Regent Street in London. It was here that he introduced his very first one-of-one Topps Chrome F1 trading card, gloriously adorned with the Italian phrase “Forza Ferrari” — a fitting rallying cry for his maiden year in the iconic red. This particular card, along with five exclusive red-parallel copies, is already a precious gem for collectors with a love for motorsport.
The collaboration with Topps, which cemented its place in the trading card world by locking down the F1 trading card and sticker rights three years ago, further cements Hamilton’s presence in what has unexpectedly become a booming market. The trading card realm has seen sky-high surges in value, with the likes of Hamilton’s exclusive 2020 Chrome Superfractor card exceeding the million-dollar mark at auction.
Reflecting on this new venture and his journey thus far, Hamilton opens up about his unforgettable childhood fascination with collecting — a sentiment many enthusiasts can relate to. “As a kid, I’d spend every spare penny on Premier League stickers,” he says, reminiscing those simpler days of swapping packs with friends, never envisioning that his very own memorabilia could one day aid significant causes.
Meeting admirers at the London store turned into more than just selfies and signs. It was a heartwarming convergence for Hamilton, particularly when he met a fan who had invested in one of his rare one-of-one cards. “Hearing his story made me feel we’re part of something bigger,” Hamilton laughs, finding warmth in this connection that transcends the sport itself.
When pressed about which keepsakes he treasures most, Hamilton speaks fondly of nostalgia-laden items like his sun-bright first go-kart helmet, spray-painted personally by his father, along with notable trophies from early achievements. “Those ‘firsts’ mean more than anything,” he affirms, grounding his present successes in those formative experiences.
Beyond the adrenalin of racing, Hamilton enjoys the quieter, artistic pursuits. He has a penchant for collecting art—the kind you indulge in with a languid glass of wine. He displays a special appreciation for artworks by young Black or African artists, representing a diverse cultural dialogue through his collection. Of course, not all requests to imprint his autograph are run-of-the-mill. Of all the quirky souvenirs he’s been asked to sign, an uncanny favorite was a pair of petite Japanese boxer shorts. “It was bizarre,” Hamilton chuckles, ever the sport.
Probing into the trading card sphere, Hamilton offers his foresight on the future stars to look out for: “Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman—and definitely Isack Hadjar.” These names are Hamilton’s picks from the next generation of racers set to take the world by storm, much like how Lewis did years ago. The rollercoaster journey from young fan collecting stickers to a megastar with his own line of collectibles isn’t just a career to mirror but a saga woven with personal passions, groundbreaking triumphs, and humble origins.
