Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, revealed last year that he sold his entire collection of supercars, marking a surprising shift in his interests. While he once owned an impressive array of cars including the Pagani Zonda 760 LH, La Ferrari Aperta, McLaren F1, and Mercedes AMG Project One, Hamilton has since turned his attention away from exotic automobiles to focus on art and, more recently, card collecting.
Hamilton’s former status as a Ferrari driver and his well-known enthusiasm for high-performance cars made his decision especially notable in the racing community. Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when asked if he planned to add Ferrari’s newest flagship, the F80, to his collection, Hamilton disclosed that he no longer owns any cars at all.
“I don’t have any cars anymore. I don’t have any cars, so I got rid of all my cars. I’m more into art nowadays. If I was going to get a car, it would be the F40. But that’s a nice piece of art,” said Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton’s Growing Interest in Collectible Cards
During a recent visit to Paris for Dior’s men’s show, Hamilton shared insights into his evolving hobby: collecting trading cards. Speaking with Vogue France, he explained how this pastime connects to childhood memories and how it has grown into a serious interest.
“I’m card collecting. There’s like Pokémon. Star Wars, athlete collectible cards. I used to collect cards when I was a kid, particularly for football magazines where you’d find all the players and swap them at school. I have a collection and it’s just growing. I’m buying cards every week.”
Card collecting has surged in popularity worldwide, with markets for Pokémon, superhero, and sports cards expanding rapidly. Influencers across the UK, including YouTube personality Simon Minter (Miniminter), have also embraced the hobby, contributing to its rising profile.
Partnership with Fanatics Collectibles Amplifies Hamilton’s Engagement
Hamilton’s enthusiasm for trading cards deepened following his deal with Fanatics Collectibles, the parent company of Topps, a brand known for its sports and entertainment cards. In 2024, a 2020 Topps Chrome F1 autographed Superfractor card featuring Hamilton sold for over $1 million, making it the first F1 card to fetch a seven-figure price.
The driver expressed amazement at the card market’s size and its emotional impact on collectors and their families, highlighting how a single purchase can be life-changing.
“I mean, it’s pretty crazy. I’ve never thought that would ever be the case. The story of it, where the kid had bought it through a pack, the difference that purchase would have made to him and his family would have been huge.” (via The Athletic)
“I know there’s another big launch of another league coming up and just the growth of the business. It’s got me really hooked. I was opening up those boxes just now, and I was like, I need to get myself some more of these boxes,” added Hamilton
The Shift’s Broader Significance and Future Prospects
Hamilton’s transition from supercar enthusiast to avid card collector underscores how celebrities are influencing new investment trends and collectibles markets. His involvement with Fanatics Collectibles signals potential expansion of trading card culture within the motor racing fanbase, bridging sports, entertainment, and memorabilia industries.
As Hamilton continues to expand his card collection, his public interest could inspire others to view collectibles not just as hobbies but as valuable assets. Given the rapid growth of the market and high-profile endorsements, this shift may lead to further mainstream acceptance and increased demand in coming years, marking a new chapter in the lifestyle of the celebrated F1 champion.
