Kimi Antonelli race-worn trading card sells for over $200,000 at auction

A one-of-a-kind, race-worn and autographed trading card of Mercedes F1 driver Kimi Antonelli sold at auction for $201,910, setting a new record for the rookie and highlighting his skyrocketing market value. The sale underscores the intense collector interest in the young Italian, who has taken a surprise lead in the 2026 drivers' championship with consecutive wins.

Why it matters:

The staggering price paid for a piece of modern F1 memorabilia reflects a perfect storm of Antonelli's rapid on-track success and the booming collectibles market. It signals that investors and fans see him not just as a promising talent, but as a future superstar whose value is expected to grow exponentially, especially if he secures a world title.

The details:

• The card is a unique 1-of-1 item featuring an actual race-worn patch from Antonelli's suit and his autograph, making it the ultimate piece for a dedicated collector.
• The final bid of $201,910 makes it the most expensive Kimi Antonelli trading card ever sold and the seventh most expensive in F1 history.
• The sale coincides with Antonelli's stunning performance in his second F1 season. The 19-year-old leads the championship by 22 points over teammate George Russell after winning the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix.
• For context, the most expensive F1 card ever sold remains a 1-of-1 Lewis Hamilton card from 2020, which reportedly fetched over $1 million.

What's next:

This auction is likely just the beginning for Antonelli's memorabilia market. The card's value is intrinsically linked to his competitive success.

• If Antonelli continues his winning form and contends for the 2026 championship, the value of this and similar items could skyrocket further, potentially approaching the heights of legends like Hamilton.
• The sale also sets a new benchmark for the value of modern F1 driver collectibles, encouraging more high-profile auctions for current stars.