When gift buying for a Formula 1 fan, it’s important to consider a few things. Teams, drivers, tracks, champions, there’s a lot to take into consideration. If you’ve perused this space enough, you know the same designs and dropshipping tactics that pop up all over the internet. As someone with lots of F1 merch, I think I am uniquely qualified to make this list. This is especially true when I see roundups that include nothing but the most generic items I’ve ever seen. Seeing the same three Etsy stores is disheartening. We can do better. Let me guide you.
Oh! Also see these F1-centric, non-holiday-specific gift guides:
1) Clothing
Two companies stand out for me in this space that I rarely see at races or at least haven’t seen in North America. However, Furious Motorsport‘s jerseys have a chokehold on the entirety of F1 TikTok. This is probably while you see a million of them at races. Hard not to when everyone and their mom is pitching a discount code. I do genuinely like what they make for their good quality. I wear my Danny Ricc one quite often. It’s just predictable.
It’s no secret I love my Finns, and Kimi will always be my number one. A cherished shirt in my collection is from Heritage Racing. It is, in fact, their Räikkönen tribute tee. I like this company because the tees are soft, wear/wash well, and you just don’t see them in the wild. I also like that all of their Icon collections hit a wide range of racing, so it’s not just for F1 fans. I’m grabbing one of their Rally shirts soon.
Another company to spotlight is Stint Apparel. It’s a small business with a female designer. I get so many compliments when I wear my Fernando Alonso gear out. And even after a million washes and surviving multiple gym trips, it’s held up so well. I’ve seen copycat versions on Etsy, but this brand is the real deal.
2) Wall art
This has been a great year from Grand Prix posters, and Alpha Romeo killed almost every one of their designs. Getting art directly from the creators or photographers is always the way to go. Jamey Price is one of the best motorsport photographers working right now, and his series on curbs from all the circuits is amazing. Any of those would look awesome in your home and certainly be a convo started.
I have not been able to stop thinking about this Charles as Lord Perceval print all summer since I saw it on Tumblr. I tracked down Jojogieriz’s INprint store along with Aphrostiel. Sites like INprint, Redbubble, Etsy, and Society6 are excellent places to discover new artists in the Formula 1 space. Instagram will often lead you down this path as well.
3) Stickers
With the babygirlification of F1 this year (good or bad, it’s here), the rise of water bottle sticker collecting at the Grand Prix has happened. Much like the trading of “friendship” bracelets, this is another element that’s just kind of become part of the culture. Even the drivers wear them. I’m just as guilty of participating in these on both accounts.
Etsy is kind of a cease pool of stolen designs, but there are two creators I stand by and have a ton of their work. GoodLuckTess and DR3CreationsCo are both women-owned and designed. All of their stuff holds up well, even after a thousand washes, many road trips, and days at the track.
4) Memorabilia
Surprisingly enough, there is a lot of affordable official Formula 1 memorabilia available on the interwebs that would make excellent gifts. Yes, there are secondhand sites like eBay and Mercari, but it can be hard to trust a seller, even with authentication. I say let it come right from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. Beyond the basics of signed gear (pictures, hats, gloves, etc.), they offer so much more for every fan. Replica suits, hand-cut bodywork keyrings, checkered flags, actual car parts re-engineered into lamps, the skies the limit. I just wish I had the space (and extra bucks) for this Mercedes Rear Wheel Rim table.
5) Track art
While neon signs of Monaco and COTA are cute, we can elevate this idea. I’m such a fan of track layouts and different circuits as 3D art. I think the Block Zone does this better than anyone. This makes the art piece more fun and interactive, so you could even help build it with your loved one. Each of the tracks is made with over 300 bricks that fit perfectly into place to display the flag of the country’s circuit, as well as the actual layout itself. These just pop if you need a bit of color on the walls.
If you are looking for a particular race from this past season to commemorate, Grand Prix Frames is a spectacular seller to buy from. The one downside is they currently only offer Max or the Ferrari boys as car options. But seeing as how Max won basically every race, it feels poetic in a way. KartaTrak provides a nice selection of circuits past and present; each is an intricate layered engraved mahogany wonder. This is definitely a more sophisticated option.
6) Subscriptions
A gift that keeps on giving is truly a great one. Take the stress out of your fave fanboy and fangirls season next year by just paying it ahead. Grab a yearly subscription to F1 Pro for just $80. You want the Pro version so they have access to all the features F1 TV has to offer. Being able to watch from any driver’s POV and get their radio feed during any race is the only way to watch. Also, having the ability to watch any race you want, whenever you want, wherever you want, is unprecedented. Might I suggest my favorite: the 2006 Monaco GP. They can even catch F2, F3, and F1 Academy races. It’s worth every penny.
To correspond with those races for next season, gift a monthly box from DriveCrate. Each month, they will receive a specially curated themed box of racing goodies directly related to the Grand Prix. I’ve seen the unboxing of these all over TikTok and getting an official that makes it worth it alone. It’s around $48 per box, so we understand if you want to pick out a special Grand Prix for your motorhead to be surprised with this. I’m genuinely excited to see how this company grows next season, what they pick, and the drivers they feature.
7) Experiences
If you are that person and would love to splash the cash on your loved one, grab them an experience package for a thrilling Grand Prix weekend. Now, I can tell you, that you can attend a GP without it costing your life savings, there is a way. You don’t have to attend all three days either but like, why are you there? Some packages can be as low as $1,300 for weekend attendance, but if you want the grandstand, a box, and paddock access, start adding a lot of zeroes. But who are we to judge?
Check the Instagram of specific drivers for more personal experience. Valtter has had packages all season with his gin company, and Max had one for Circuit Zandvoort (obviously). Most teams also offer tailored experiences for them and their drivers. Do a little digging, and you will find the right fit.
8) Adult beverages
If you don’t think of booze when you think of Formula 1, I’m not sure about you. We can start with the iconic “champagne.” Yes, I had to do that because it’s sparkling wine, as Ferrari is made in Italy. No podium celebration is complete without it, and neither should any of your celebrations. As someone who has consumed copious amounts of this, I highly recommend it.
It seems like alcohol is lucrative for many of the drivers on and off the grid. Danny Ricciardo has his wines, Jenson Button has partnered with Coachbuilt whisky for his own blend, and Valtteri Bottas has both a wine and a gin (co-owned with girlfriend, Tiffany Cromwell) company. I’d bet we will see more in the future, as many of the sponsors are booze based.
Not to be outdone, Lewis Hamilton released his non-alcoholic Almave a few weeks ago. It sold out almost everywhere already, as one would expect. Lewis is a man with a finger on the pulse of trends and saw his place in the market, too. And I have to say, I am deeply intrigued by it.
No matter what you pick up from this list, it will mean a lot to your Formula 1 fan. We are ravenous beasts. Not everyone understands it. And even if you don’t, you tried, and we love you for that.
