Tag Archives: toys

With pre-season testing still in Sakhir a month away, now is an excellent time to stock up on gear for the new year. The official F1 Store is having a massive winter sale to make room for new merch and styles. There are over 500 items to grab with discounts of as much as 70% off. We pulled a few of our faves that would make an excellent fit for your 2024 F1 Sunday outfit. And don’t worry. Yes, everything is officially licensed.

1) Scuderia Ferrari Race MT7 Track Jacket

A few things Ferrari does well is make merch people want. This jacket is sleek and chic, you’re sure to stand out in the classic red hue. Save 48% on this, and cross your fingers for a Charles podium. Lord Perceval hasn’t had a win since the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix, but this jacket could be a good luck charm.

2) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 2022 Team Baseball Cap

A classic black baseball hat never goes out of style, and neither does Sir Lewis Hamilton. It’s just $17 and will see you through the 2024 season, and possibly podiums for both George and Lewis. This cap is easily adjustable and made from 100% recycled polyester, so it’s breathable even in the hottest of climates.

3) Oracle Red Bull Racing 2023 New Era Beanie

Winter just decided to start with lots of snow in many parts of the world, so it’s a good idea to cover your noggin. Red Bull is a winner, and so is this adorable $21 beanie. It’s a polyblend (so easy to clean) and designed by New Era.

4) McLaren USA Crew Sweatshirt

The papaya is strong with this sweatshirt. I like the vintage college vibe of this one, and I also like that this has crossover appeal. Wear it for F1, Formula E, and IndyCar races. It’s a cotton blend, versatile, and a steal at 57% off.

5) Scuderia AlphaTauri Team T-Shirt

RIP Alpha Tauri. This shirt is now a collector’s item as the rise of Visa CashApp Racing Bulls takes its place on the grid. If you think that is an awful rebrand, don’t worry. We do, too. I heard a girl once call Alpha Tauri ‘Sugar-Free’ Red Bull, and honestly, why they didn’t go that way is beyond me. But grab this unisex cotton tee for just $27, and still show your love for Danny and Yuki.

6) Formula 1 True Classics Crew Sweatshirt

There are a few basic F1 merch items available in the sale, and I love the ones that are so subtle. This classic crewneck sweatshirt is a nod to the start of the sport in 1950. With clever racing stripes down the sides, this is a mod way to show you’re a motorhead too. It’s just $33.

7) Mercedes 2022 W13 E Performance No.44 – Lewis Hamilton 1:43 Model

A few of these models from the last two seasons are on sale for just $7. These make great gifts and decorations for offices, living rooms, and bookshelves. If you got a Merc fanatic in your life, this would be a nice little present to surprise them with. It’s die-cast metal and plastic and a stunning representation of the actual million-dollar monster.

8) Michael Schumacher Legacy Classic Edition Poster

We recently celebrated the legendary driver’s 55th birthday. Schumacher has no doubt left a huge mark on F1 and motorsports as a whole. This poster honors him and his supreme legacy. Printed on high-quality paper it was designed by Automobilist as a collab piece with the Keep Fighting Foundation. This is a brilliant piece of art for only $20.

9) Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 2023 Official Team Cap

Save $30 on this 100% recycled polyester, totally adjustable official team hat. I love this green color and think it looks so stunning in a crowd. As a Fernando lover, I couldn’t make a list and not recommend something that represents him. There are a few items from Fernando’s Kimoa brand on sale as well.

10) Williams Racing Off Track Sweatshirt

I think Williams knows how to lean into quiet luxury. Must be a British thing. This year especially they have designed a great line that isn’t flashy. This 100% knitted polyester sweatshirt has zipper pockets and is $39.

11) Alfa Romeo 2023 Valterri Bottas Driver Cap

Of course, I’m including my favorite driver on this list. While Alfa Romeo was sunset for Sauber, the historic Italian brand will still live on. I have one of these and absolutely love the Milano cross and snake boldly standing out. I’m going to miss this team a lot, but I’m also preparing my soul for this to be Valterri’s last year as well. Nothing official, my gut just feels like this is it. Save 49% on this and add it to your collection.

12) Oracle Red Bull Max Verstappen Zandvoort Special Edition Tee

Are you a member of the Orange Army? What better way to celebrate another outstanding year for Verstappen than with a tee celebrating the Dutch lion’s home race win? I love the Max design on this cotton unisex shirt in that fetching neon shade. Save it for the Dutch GP, or wear it every Sunday as they play the national anthem we’ve all come to know so well.

13) Haas F1 Team – Miami 2023 Limited Edition Poster

Haas isn’t the best team, let’s be honest. But making dope posters is one of the good things they do. I love this one from the Miami GP, where, if you’ll remember, Magnussen actually got points. While their house may be a little on fire, so are these designs. This is not currently on sale, but if you sign up for the newsletter, you will get 10% off, and it ships directly from the printer.

14) Kimi Leave Me Alone Crew Socks

There’s no way I could make this list and not include my other favorite Finn. These cotton blend socks designed by West Coast Choppers immortalize one of Kimi’s best F1 moments. These are also a great way to communicate with loved ones when the race is on.

15) Pirelli Podium Cap

This is not on sale either, but I highly recommend buying this on the site and not at the track, where it is double the price. This is an item I want to add to my hat arsenal, and I just love the way it looks. It’s one of those “if you know, you know” when you see one in the wild. It’s retro, which adds a little something. You don’t need to be a fan to rock this, but it doesn’t hurt

If you are interested in catching the Bahrain GP, it will be on Sunday, March 2 at 10 a.m. (EST) on ESPN in North America and, as always, on F1TV.

The season is well upon us, and the days are rapidly approaching when we must be ready to express our love and appreciation for those dear to us through reckless spending and consumerism! For some, depending on what you celebrate, those days may already be here. But thankfully, it isn’t too late to snag some last-minute gearhead cheer! Merry winter and happy holidays from the Acceleramota crew as we bring to you this collaborative gift guide for all things car-related, from services and subscriptions to toys, apparel, and more.

Thinking of snagging a gift for yourself? Or how about your gearhead friends? Or perhaps your spouse or partner could use something as simple as some car care products to stay busy on the weekends. We got you covered here. But remember, this is a mere sampling of what we’ve offered recently, so don’t forget to check out more cool products from our prior guides linked below! 

Also see: 

• Toy cars gift guide
• TikTok car accessories gift guide
• Ultra-mega car nerd gift guide

Nathan: Detailing & car care

Chemical Guys Black & Dark Car Care Kit

Black cars are brilliant on the showroom floor. That matte black Cybertruck looks great until a few trips to the car wash, after which you’re left with a swirly mess. This black car care kit is designed to restore that glossy paint finish. Use the high gloss car wash soap to pull abrasive dirt from the paint surface and more abrasive soap to clean the undercarriage and wheels.

What makes this kit unique is the black light and butter-wet wax. These creams give your black that extra shine, ensuring that it looks just as smooth as the day you bought it.

See it at Amazon

Leather Honey leather conditioner

Ever wanted to buy a used car with leather seats? The seat bolsters are always cracked! The most underrated car care item is a leather conditioner. This formula from the leather experts, Leather Honey, will ensure that your oversized pickup truck’s leather seats are smooth for years to come.

We could go on about how it’s made in America, restores all types of leather or that the company has been around since 1968, but that’s rather boring. The real kicker is that if you’re not 100%, you can just return the bottle for a full refund!

See it at Amazon

Griot’s Garage Master Car Care Kit

If you want an all-you-can-clean kit, Griot’s Garage has you covered. From applicators, pads, and brushes to leather spray, wheel cleaner, and wax, you can get down to business with this kit. We picked this one based on the sheer number of products you get for $299.

The “Pure Freakin’ Magic” or PFM® microfiber is one of the reasons you never go cheap when buying car care products. These looped-weave microfiber cloths are truly the best out there.

See it at Amazon

Chemical Guys HOL148VB 16-piece Arsenal Builder Car Wash Kit

This kit has every other kit beat on pure value. For $129 (probably less with ongoing deals), you get everything you need to keep your car in tip-top shape. This kit contains your usual car cleaning products and comes with a convenient dirt trap and bucket to prevent cross-contamination. You also get a foam blaster, which can help prevent those nasty swirls and scratches when applying car wash soap.

Still, there is always somebody doing a better job with more expensive products. But this kit will get you the clean and shine you need. With that, you also get helpful instruction videos. So it’s a no-brainer to go with this kit if you’re on a budget.

See it at Amazon

Jeric: Enthusiast apparel

Heel & Toe Apparel

Huzzah! For my first pick, I present a brand near and dear to my closet, one whose shirts have stood the test of time in my possession for years. Heel & Toe Apparel joins the collective of car enthusiast-centric apparel, creating subtle yet tasteful designs for any and all niches. While primarily Euro-centric, they have neutral designs that’d work with just about any ride, with nearly all designs themed after manual gearboxes. Surprise, surprise, given the name.

I’ve personally had one of their apex t-shirts in my collection, where the material has never shrunk, faded, or torn over the years. The black remains a deep black while the white remains vivid, and I promise you it’s not because I take good care of my laundry. Complaints? Just a little pricey, with simple t-shirts currently ringing in at $32, but I can’t fault the universal appeal of their prints and the quality of their materials. And if you want more, they also have hoodies, hats, and stocks. Real stocking stuffers. 

See it at Heel & Toe Apparel

Simply Carbon Fiber accessories

A peculiar pick from our recent car enthusiast-centric merch guide, Simply Carbon Fiber is a niche, relatively inexpensive lifestyle brand pitching carbon fiber jewelry and accessories in a variety of shapes and sizes. From sunglasses to money clips, wallets, and even watches, they got it! And I get it. Swathes of carbon can be tacky to some. But there are a few understated designs that should better appeal to those who simply like a more modern look, such as their Astro Series watches with the chopped carbon dial or the Alpha Series with the carbon weave dial and leather strap.

Customer reviews across the internet seem to be quite pleased with the company, citing genuinely good quality and some noting themselves as returning customers. However, a few hiccups regarding the fitment of some of their phone cases have been made known, but they’re few and far between. 

See it at Simply Carbon Fiber

Piloti driving shoes

Long touted online as a premium driving shoe that can do more than just live in the footwell of your car, Piloti driving shoes exude loads of style and pizzazz. No longer do you have to feel like a tool rocking those oddly shaped and peculiar driving shoes that look like you stole them from an IMSA paddock (unless that’s your style, then be my guest). Piloti shoes come in a wide array of styles, including slip-on loafers, high-top sneakers, and skate shoe-esque sneakers. No matter your choice, each shoe is styled to match a certain lifestyle or aesthetic to ensure you look like the distinguished driving enthusiast you are on or off the track. 

Expectedly for a company that’s been playing this game since 1999, reviews are almost universally positive. Consumers laud the appreciable blend of comfort and usability while still allowing for that enhanced pedal feel that driving shoes should be capable of. Minimal fatigue, plenty of cushion, but still good pedal feedback when behind the wheel. Friend and colleague, Peter Nelson, even commended the Piloti Shift for its construction beneath its otherwise understated appearance.

See it at Amazon

Sheilah: Toys

Lewis Hamilton F1 Remote Control Car

This wouldn’t be a Sheilah entry if I didn’t include Lewis Hamilton. This remote-controlled version of his #44 Mercedes-AMG F1 car is an excellent pick for any lover of Hammertime. I love that the controller mimics that of an actual F1 car, albeit much less complicated. The sponsor stickers come separately for you to place them wherever you like. If you’re particularly crafty, you could make your own too. Just remember to add AA batteries (seven, to be exact) to your order, you’ll need seven total for both the car and controller. This is a solid big boy also, at 19 inches long and weighing almost three pounds.

See it at Amazon

Aoshima Initial D Series Takahashi Ryosuke – Model Building Kit

I’m deep in a rewatch of Initial D at the moment, so this felt right. If you’ve ever wanted to build a model car but are intimidated, Aoshima’s sets are for you. They couldn’t be easier, as seen in this unboxing video. They take all the stress and time-consuming nature of model building away. These kits are strangely relaxing, and I’ve got a few of them. Aoshima has a ton of models to pick from, so if you find you love one you can create a whole series to show off. The instructions are in Japanese, but much like Ikea, they are idiot-proof with pictures. I’ve never run into an issue getting a car put together, so I don’t think you will either. I recommend getting a basic tool set like this one linked here to help assemble such tiny parts.

See it at Amazon

Gabe: Services & gift cards:

Virgin Experience Gifts

Let’s face it, most people will never have the chance to own and drive an exotic supercar, let alone on a track. Fortunately, Virgin (the phone carrier slash airline, not the average Redditor) also has a website for booking supercar driving experiences on real circuits, many of which include in-depth performance driving lessons from professional instructors. It’s among the handful of car-related adventures Virgin will help travelers experience, among race car ride-alongs at oval tracks across the country, if that’s your thing.

If you know someone who’s been dreaming of driving a Ferrari 488, a Lamborghini Huracan, or a Porsche 911, you can’t go wrong with an unforgettable driving experience from Virgin Experience Gifts. Believe me, my dad and I did something like this at Lime Rock Park in a brand new McLaren GT, and it was one of the highlights of my 2023. 

See it at Virgin Experiences

FINN car subscription services

Sure, maybe it’s a stretch to recommend buying someone a car for Christmas. But what if you subscribed to one? That’s the idea behind FINN, a German car subscription service offering a new kind of business model for acquiring and maintaining a car. While even the best lease deals and financing offers come with hidden costs and long-term maintenance expenses, subscription services like FINN are all-inclusive. 

Along with the car itself, routine maintenance and insurance are covered by the monthly cost, so you don’t have to deal with the headache of all the administrative work that typically comes with buying or leasing a car. Besides, for most people, the days of gifting someone a car for Christmas are numbered. In 2023, the average price of a new car exceeded $48K, according to Kelley Blue Book. That’s absurd, considering most cars depreciate by a whopping 20% in their first year. At least with a FINN subscription, you can upgrade your car once or twice a year just like you would an iPhone – no down payment required.

Apart from the initial sticker shock, one major downside to FINN is the limited selection of vehicles. Every time I check the site, fewer and fewer cars are available. Not only that, but it seems the makes and models are in constant rotation. The first time I perused its inventory, I recall FINN had a handful of BMW SUVs and a Tesla Model 3 – now it doesn’t offer any fully electric vehicles, and all but two models are unavailable at the time of this writing. Still, if you can get your hands on something your loved one will enjoy, you can always spend a fraction of the price of a new car on a 6-month subscription.

See it at FINN

Gift-giving shouldn’t be stressful. It’s a fun time of year to shower our loved ones with presents we know they will appreciate. If you’ve got a car enthusiast to buy for, be they young or old, we’ve complied a list of unique toys to brighten their holiday. Car toys come in an array of categories but all are fun. I got to play with a few of these at this years Toy Fair in New York City back in October, so I can vouch for their awesomeness.

1 — Max Verstappen Funko Pop!

With the 2023 season closed, Max Verstappen remained Champion and Red Bull handily were in control all but one race this year. He’s an amazing driver, you can’t deny that. Even if you are a Max hater you have to admit he is the actual best. #SorryNotSorry. I got to see the first run of the new Red Bull and Mercedes Funko Pops at Toy Fair, and they are really that sweet in person. And of course you know I’ve got Valtteri in my living room.

See it at Amazon

2 — LEGO Speed Champions 1970 Ferrari building kit

LEGO is fun for all ages. I’m a big fan of these kits because it’s a great activity to pass a rainy or snowy few days. You don’t have to be a Ferrari fan to appreciate this model, but it doesn’t hurt. It’s only 261 pieces, but the detail is still pretty impeccable. LEGO is good like that. The classic Ferrari red and yellow color combo will pop anywhere you display this. Feel free to pretend the minifig is Mr. Smooth Operator himself, Carlos Sainz Jr.

See it at Amazon

3 — Jada Fast & Furious 1970 Dodge Charger RT remote control car

Ages ago I got to collab with Jada on the diecast Fast & Furious line they released. It was glorious. They make really quality beautiful replicas. Of course, I kept Dom’s Charger on my desk at work. This remote control version is just as awesome, maybe more so. If I had this one I would’ve been a menace driving it through the office. I love that these newer remotes are fully rechargeable by USB, although you do get batteries to start the action right away. The RC controller is hefty and durable, so no need to be gingerly with it. Sadly no Toretto is included.

See it at Amazon

4 — Sillbird transforming robot & racing car

Speaking of movies, we all can agree the only Transformers movie worth anything is Bumblebee. (Disclaimer: The actual best is the 1986 OG animated movie.) While this isn’t an officially licensed Bumblebee, it’s close enough. What makes this special is that it’s a teaching set for you and young ones to enjoy. There are 560 high quality pieces and this can be a great bonding gift. Or can gift this to a fidgety kid as a projector to concentrate on for a few hours. Step-by-step instructions make it user friendly and the finished product looks killer either as flashy race car or noble Autobot.

See it at Amazon

5 — NTT IndyCar Pato O’Ward figure

Pato O’Ward is having a moment and has emerged as IndyCar’s darling driver of 2023. Funny, young, adorable, and genuine. It’s easy to understand how he became a fan favorite. Making close ties with their F1 McLaren family, he is now officially a reserve driver for them and we couldn’t be happier. This is a great little gift for a Pato fan or McLaren Arrow IndyCar fan. We hope to see more successful races from him next season.

See it at Amazon

6 — Carrera Bull slot car racing track set

I got to see this set at Toy Fair and it is as beautiful and impressive as you’d think it would be. If you’ve got the space to set this up and keep it out, I would 100% do that. It looks stunning and is just as fun. There is something nostalgic about it as well, if you grew up with an older relative who always had one of these. Battle your friends and family with fast paced lane changes and smooth defensive moves. Lay the track for swerves, curves, crossovers, and nice long straight-aways. You can buy expansions and add up to six cars for a real competitive night. I found the controllers are exceptionally responsive and adaptive once you get going. This is an absolute slam dunk to have around for the holidays or any big gathering.

See it at Amazon

7 — Aoshima 1/32 Model Car – Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R

If you’ve ever wanted to build a model car but are intimated, Aoshima’s sets are for you. They couldn’t be easier. They take all the stress and time consuming nature of model building away. These kits are strangely relaxing and I’ve got a few of them. Aoshima has a ton of models to pick from, so if you find you love one you can create a whole series to show off. The instructions are in Japanese, but much like Ikea their are idiot-proof with pictures. I’ve never run into an issue getting a car put together, so I don’t think you will either. I do recommend getting a basic tool set to help with the assembly of tiny parts.

See it at Amazon

8 — Hot Wheels Barbie The Movie toy Corvette

I don’t know if there’s a part of me that will ever fall out of love with Hot Wheels. I’m sure for many of us they were a staple of our childhoods. Hours spent with siblings, friends, or on our own maneuvering these solid little metal cars all over the house and outdoors. Now, many are collectibles and make fantastic decorations for gearheads of all ages. Cars were always a things that brought my entire family together and in the Hot Wheels brand there is something for everyone.

See it at Amazon

9 — Yofe 24V electric go-kart – McLaren Edition

Another thing I saw at Toy Fair! Well, not exactly this one. I got to see Go-Kart’s Aston Martin version, which isn’t out just yet. They wouldn’t let me sit in it either. Rude, honestly. Something about them being made for kids and then me protesting that, “But I’m so little.” Officially licensed a full charge will get your lil ones over an hour of cruising excitement. I’m sure your child is also the size of Lando Norris (and under 135 lbs.), they will fit comfortably in the cushioned seat. There are two speeds at five and eight mph so nothing truly dangerous for them to accelerate to. It’s low to the ground for better control and would make a killer gift to unveil this holiday season.

See it at Amazon

10 — Miata plushie

If you’re looking for a gift for your Sheilah or a Mazda enthusiast might I director you to the cutest plushie that’s ever existed. Yes, that is correct. The already adorable and endearing Mazda Miata can now be purchased as a cuddly stuffed animal. It’s available in five colors to vibe with that of your giftee, but you can never go wrong with a fetching red if you can’t decide.

See it at Etsy