Formula Fashion
Written by Quinn Diedrich
Allow me to introduce you to an entirely different version of fast fashion—the Formula 1 style. Beyond the roar of the engines and the thrill of the race, F1 has become a global runway, where drivers double as style icons, seamlessly blending speed with sophistication. Teaming up with luxury brands and pushing the boundaries of paddock fashion, they set trends both on and off the track. Add to that the effortlessly chic WAGs and the dazzling red-carpet energy of Grand Prix weekends, and it’s clear: Formula 1 isn’t just about racing—it’s about redefining high-octane glamour.
The Formula 1 paddock is now synonymous with a red carpet. Drivers pull up and the paparazzi crowd to capture their landing looks. It has become a media day tradition that allows for insight into personal driver styles—from Max Verstappen’s stubborn commitment to his team kit and skinny jeans to Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc’s elevated takes on casual streetwear. On the complete other end of the spectrum are Yuki Tsunoda and Lewis Hamilton’s head-turning high fashion styles.
Sir Lewis Hamilton in particular (yes, he was knighted by the Prince of Wales) has very much earned the title of paddock fashion royalty. A true pioneer in more ways than one, this seven-time world champion is widely recognized for his daring style choices, from oversized Balenciaga fits to custom Tommy Hilfiger pieces. He is a master at merging, not just in a car, but in terms of combining street style with vogue-worthy ensembles. His appreciation for and nuanced understanding of style is so widely recognized that it has transcended the racetrack. This Mercedes legend, who recently shocked the F1 world with his move to Ferrari, has made frequent appearances at fashion weeks and collaborated with venerated designers including Virgil Abloh.
One of his most iconic moves as of late was at the 2024 Met Gala, during which Hamilton debuted his custom Burberry homage to the adversity and resilience of the 18th-century Black gardener, John Ystumllyn. The piece was a storied ensemble of which he’d been careful to sew meaning into each detail and accessory.
Other drivers can of course be credited with fashion-focused endeavors outside of Formula 1. Lando Norris, known for his playful personality and Gen Z appeal, has built a strong personal brand that extends beyond Formula 1. The Maclaren prodigy founded his Quadrant brand in 2020 to pursue interests tangential to racing cars and build a community that combined motorsport, esports, content and apparel creation.
Quadrant offers its easily recognizable merchandise, characterized by oversized silhouettes and graphic-heavy branding, through the drop model in which they intermittently release limited edition pieces. The brand successfully reflects the style of its creator and lead ambassador, being playful and casual yet cool and collected. Oh, and definitely British
Alright, enough about the boys. It’s easy to assume that race weekends revolve entirely around the drivers, yet in more than one case the wives and girlfriends have stolen the show, bringing a mix of high fashion and influencer culture to the scene. Every fan eagerly waits for the appearance of Alexandra Saint Mleux, partner of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who has rapidly emerged as a fashion icon.
Saint Mleux has captivated audiences with her sophisticated yet accessible style, seamlessly blending high-end luxury with everyday wear. There are entire Instagram accounts dedicated to compiling pieces of her looks. This relatable yet chic style has garnered her a significant fanbase of her own on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as fashion enthusiasts appreciate her curated, Pinterest-worthy feed that reflects her academic and professional pursuits in art history and curation.
Then there’s the epitome of paddock elegance, Carmen Montero Mundt, whose luxurious style complements the tailored aesthetic of Mercedes-driver partner, George Russel. Mundt is a candidate for tailoring inspiration, essentially gliding through the paddock in well-fitted blazers paired with cigarette pants or perfectly structured trousers in her signature neutral color palette (though she does rock a pop of red). This style is quite suitable for her career as an investor relations associate—somehow appearing to simultaneously be ready for a red carpet or a high-class investor meeting. Boring? Never. Timelessnesses defines her appearance, given her obvious understanding of accessories that elevate yet never overpower.
Though it can be said her handbag collection includes statement pieces from brands like Dior, Chanel, and Hermès. Her closet is not notable for the genres of accessibility or relatability, but instead those of glamour and captivation. While she’s known for enjoying the American brand of Ralph Lauren, Mundt embodies European refinement to the point that all we can do is stop, stare, and admire. Smart style is a fitting description for this highly educated, highly elegant icon.
We’ve covered the most recognizable individual styles on the paddock, but Formula 1 is equally as much a team sport. As a whole, the series known as the pinnacle of motorsport has also delved deeper into the fashion world throughout its time—from truly culture-defining races with peak levels of extravagance to high-end sponsorships and exclusive partner events. Each Grand Prix has its own distinct style, but the Monaco Grand Prix is by far the most glamorous event on the calendar, featuring yacht parties and an endless stream of celebrities (mostly A-list names including Leonardo DiCaprio, Bella Hadid, and Naomi Campbell) donning their best designer.
Meanwhile, the Miami race weekend is characterized by a vibrant blending of American street style and loud luxury with an influencer-heavy presence. As for brand collaborations, the first week of the 2025 season started off strong, celebrating the beginning of LVMH’s 10 year partnership with Formula 1. The opening weekend in Australia featured a Louis Vuitton-hosted Glamour on the Grid night, inviting numerous Australian celebs to showcase the blend of high speed and high fashion.
It would be a great oversight not to discuss the Formula 1 team with the deepest roots, most loyal fanbase and highly iconic color. Ferrari’s foray into fashion isn’t just about branded merchandise—it’s about translating the brand’s heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation into high-end apparel. In 2021, Ferrari made a bold move into luxury fashion with the launch of its first in-house collection, designed by creative director Rocco Iannone (formerly of Armani and Dolce & Gabbana). Iannone captured the spirit of racing in his sleek and futuristic silhouettes, use of high-quality and durable materials, and emphasis on bold red.
The Italian heritage is also present with fine tailoring. Ferrari also boasts many large partnership deals, including a longstanding one with Puma and an exclusive relationship with Ray-Ban. Driver Charles Leclrec reflects his Monegasque roots and the Monza family in his linen shirts, tailored team kits, and statement luxury watches and bracelets. This ‘golden boy’ of Ferrari sticks to timeless, refined looks—a perfect match for the brand’s aura of classic Italian luxury. The prince of Monaco (as he is often referred to) has yet to deliver the team a world championship, but nobody’s in any rush to say ciao to Charles, his puppy Leo, his style, or, quite frankly, his face.
Formula 1 has always been about pushing the limits of speed and innovation, but its fashion influence is now racing ahead just as quickly. From the drivers redefining paddock style to the WAGs turning race weekends into high-fashion showcases, F1 has solidified itself as a cultural powerhouse beyond the track. The fusion of motorsport and fashion has never been more seamless—or more spectacular.
Edited by Hana Razvi, Simran Khanuja & Olivia Ruetten
