Business: F1 announces new partnership to creat F1 model cars
As a result of an agreement between Formula One and Mattel, the company will create F1-themed Hot Wheels with a full range of F1 cars set to be released in 2025.
Although the full range will only be introduced in 2025, a limited edition die-cast car has been launched on Mattel Creations. This model has a special Hot Wheels racing livery to celebrate the partnership, and includes interchangeable tyres, full-metal body chassis and bespoke F1 casting.
The car also features Hot Wheels’ iconic number ‘68’ on the nose, giving a fun nod to the year the brand debuted. The full range, which will launch in 2025, will feature cars from F1 Teams and include products designed to connect with F1’s growing young audience, as well as items that will appeal to adult collectors.
Formula 1 will also welcome the Hot Wheels brand to Grands Prix, with fan-focused activations and retail "opportunities that will bring families together and celebrate the partnership at select events across the 2025 season and beyond."
Commenting on the new partnership, F1's Chief Commercial Officer Emily Prazer said: "This exciting collaboration with Mattel will bring together the adrenaline of motor racing and the excitement of toy cars and provide opportunities to see the fine details that go into an F1 car, all in the palm of your hand.
"It’s more than just a partnership; it's a celebration of speed, creativity and innovation that will bring fans a new way to engage with
the sport.”
Roberto Stanichi, who acts as Executive Vice President of Hot Wheels & Head of Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel, commented: “Hot Wheels has always been about nurturing the challenger spirit, so the partnership with Formula 1 is a natural and exciting fit. It will bring two of the largest global fan communities together to share their passion for cars and racing.
"In collaboration with Formula 1, we have put together a program that allows kids to replicate the thrill of F1 racing where they can drive like the pros and engages with our loyal communities on a global scale.
'Like Hot Wheels, F1 is all about thrill and car performance, and the broad collection we've created will take F1 fandom to the next level along with additional consumer touchpoints like digital and retail activations.”