Ferrari and Aston Martin Complete Hot Wheels F1 Collection

Ferrari and Aston Martin have finally joined their F1 rivals, completing the unique Hot Wheels Formula 1 collection. This partnership means all ten F1 teams will now be represented, allowing fans to collect models of their favorite cars and drivers.

Why it matters:

This partnership signifies the full integration of all F1 teams into the popular Hot Wheels licensing program. For fans, it means an expanded and more authentic collecting experience, ensuring no major team is left out. For F1 and Hot Wheels, it broadens market appeal and strengthens brand presence, especially among younger audiences.

The Details:

• Initial Launch Exclusion: When Hot Wheels first unveiled its F1 collection in January, despite announcing a multi-year global licensing partnership with F1 over a year ago, Ferrari and Aston Martin were conspicuously absent.
• Original Teams: The initial lineup included Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, Alpine, Racing Bulls, Haas, Sauber, and Williams.
• New Additions: Nine months later, Ferrari and Aston Martin models, featuring their respective 2024 liveries, are now available.
• Release Date: The 1:64 scale cars are set to go on sale at the beginning of December, perfectly timed for the holiday season.
• Unveiling Event: The new livery editions were officially unveiled at an event in Mexico City, hosted by Sergio Perez, ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.
• Beyond Cars: Hot Wheels plans to continue releasing new F1-inspired track sets throughout next year, expanding the play experience for fans.

Between the lines:

Emily Prazer, F1's Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the 'incredible attention to detail Hot Wheels delivers,' noting how 'each car faithfully replicates the liveries and designs.' This attention to authenticity is crucial for capturing the essence of F1 for collectors. Ted Wu, Global Head of Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel, emphasized that 'fans of every team on the grid can now experience Formula 1 in a whole new way,' underscoring the inclusive nature of the completed collection. The delay in including Ferrari and Aston Martin likely involved complex licensing negotiations, given their iconic status and strong individual branding.

What's next:

The full Hot Wheels F1 collection, now featuring all ten teams, is poised to hit shelves in early December, just in time for Christmas. This comprehensive range of merchandise is expected to be a significant draw for F1 enthusiasts and toy collectors alike, further cementing the sport's presence in popular culture and offering new ways for fans to engage with their favorite teams and drivers both on and off the track. The ongoing release of track sets will also keep the product line fresh and engaging into next year.