The Fusion of Fashion and F1
Formula 1 is the most elite international motor racing competition in the world. Its 2023 circuit is set to host 23 Grand Prix races across an array of global locations. Some of the most watched sporting events globally, F1 draws its half-billion viewers in for the glamor and flare on track as much as the car racing.
Beyond their talents on the racing course, F1 drivers have gained recognition for their bold fashion choices. The outfits that they wear during racing weekend events often circulate fashion sites and social media pages. In fact, drivers count designers Tommy Hilfiger and Benetton among their sponsors. Pro drivers swap their fire-retardant suits for bespoke creations by the world’s sartorial engineers. More than ever before, this year, drivers have explored fashion spheres outside of F1 events, even attending fashion weeks in New York, Paris, and Milan.
Let's talk about the tour de force in both the racing and fashion worlds – Lewis Hamilton. Having attended the Met Gala six times since 2015, Hamilton is far from a new face in the fashion world. He has a distinct sense of personal style, often experimenting with high fashion looks and wearing oversized silhouettes and vibrant colors. After years of impressing audiences with his bold looks and partnering with notable brands, Hamilton was chosen as a Business of Fashion 500, establishing him as one of the most influential fashion figures in 2023.
Courtesy of The Zoe Report
Charles Leclerc, a Monégasque driver, is another competitor who has gained attention for his fashion. He has also accumulated sponsorships from fashion brands such as Giorgio Armani, which have facilitated his entrance into fashion spheres. His style leans more classically masculine, most often pictured adorning black suits. More recently, Leclerc, alongside fellow driver, Carlos Sainz, took a break from the racetrack to walk in Ferrari Style’s SS ‘24 fashion show.
Courtesy of The Sports Rush
This recent attention on F1 fashion has shone a light on experiential men’s fashion, something that is often overlooked. It is interesting to observe how this sport––largely dominated by and viewed by men––and how it has become so reliant on the fashion industry. My hope is that this blossoming connection reduces stigmas around men's fashion and influences brands to take more risks while curating masculine collections.
Not only are the drivers’ fashion in the spotlight, but the F1 races themselves have become a fashion event for the attendees. With brands inviting more and more influencers and celebrities to attend Formula 1 races, the crowds are filled with people adorning glamorous and chic outfits. Attendees who have followed this F1 fashion precedent in more recent years include Bella Hadid, Andrea Lima, and Jacob Elordi.
Courtesy of GQ
For those of you who don't keep up with sports, such as myself, your first introduction to F1 may be from styling videos or “OOTDs” made by influencers attending these events. One influencer in particular, Madeline White, stunned her viewers after styling the coveted embroidered Chanel F1 t-shirt. She has attended multiple Formula 1 races, posting outfit videos before every event. Including pieces such as a Diesel mini skirt and a Chanel yellow halter dress, each outfit tops the one before.
Courtesy of Madeline White on Instagram
Buzz has surrounded the most recent Formula 1 race in Las Vegas. A-list celebrities filled the stands and they certainly did not disappoint with their outfits. Rihanna showed up and stayed on theme while wearing an oversized racing jacket. She dressed up her look with a pair of sleek Balenciaga leggings and extravagant silver jewelry. Paris Hilton was also in attendance, enthusiastically sharing her pictures from the weekend on Instagram. In true Paris Hilton fashion, she showed up to her first event in a bedazzled, pink racing suit. To the race, she ditched the sparkles for sleek black leather, completing her outfit with pointed boots and huge sunnies.
With this interconnection between Formula 1 and fashion, we have witnessed emerging designs inspired by racing styles or “motorcore." Such styles include motor jackets, tracksuits, aviators, and more. This influence has extended to luxury brands such as Chanel, whose 2022 cruise show was themed around F1. Other brands that have jumped on this trend include Prada, Ferrari, and Tommy Hilfiger. While such designs are not found in everybody's closet, we are beginning to see these trends gaining traction on social media and making their way into everyday wear.
Courtesy of ELLE
If recent headlines and paparazzi photos are anything to go by, fashion has become an integrated part of Formula 1. Even though collaboration may seem absurd from the outside, both industries share glamor and prestige. The opulence of F1 racing is mirrored in the outfits adorned by drivers. I personally am excited to see how this collaboration grows and intertwines with future racing and fashion events. From now on, I know that I will be looking for outfit inspiration and styling tips by keeping up with F1.