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Christmas is fast approaching, and a wave of new Formula 1 fans has recently emerged thanks to buzz on social media and Netflix's documentary “Drivers of Destiny.” To help you treat an F1 enthusiast during the holidays or on their birthday, our editors have compiled a guide to affordable gifts.
When the Christmas lights start to twinkle, the real race begins: finding a gift that lets a Formula 1 fan feel the roar of the engines without emptying their wallet. Whether you're looking for a gift for a seasoned enthusiast or a novice who's just caught the fever, there's a surprisingly wide range of affordable options to keep the passion alive. Thrills for less than $10 A simple poster can transform any wall into a miniature Grand Prix. Stores such as Fnac, Cultura, or even large supermarkets sometimes offer motorsport posters alongside the usual movie heroes. For example, an A5-sized map of all the 2023 circuits is available on Etsy for €8.95, while a vintage scene from Monaco can be found on Juniqe.
If the recipient prefers reading, there are a few titles available for under €10. Fnac offers Legendary Drivers for €9.95, a concise overview of the sport's most iconic figures. For a hands-on experience, consider a short trip to Paul Ricard in the south of France. From February 1 to 4, 2023, Mercedes and AlphaTauri will be testing there with Pirelli. Although the list of drivers is still being kept secret, seeing an F1 car on the track can be an unforgettable and inexpensive outing, especially for families living nearby. (Note: no public testing is planned in Barcelona this winter).
An original but practical gift is an unofficial F1-themed AirPods case, also available on Etsy for €8.95, perfect for fans who like to combine style and technology.
Mid-range gifts between $10 and $30 Miniature collectors will appreciate a 1/43 scale replica of the 2016 Renault, sold for around $10 on specialist websites. For those who spend their days behind a desk, a wooden miniature racetrack, available in configurations such as Monaco, Melbourne, Barcelona, Silverstone, Nürburgring, and many more, will add a touch of automotive tradition to any workspace. Customization options allow you to add a personalized message, and the set starts at $11.99. If you're looking for something a little more avant-garde, Etsy sellers offer 3D-printed mini circuits of famous tracks such as Suzuka or Silverstone. These PLA models cost around €21.15 and make great decorative items for your desk.
Books remain a safe choice. This year, we recommend Formula 1 Stories by Bernie Ecclestone, Daniel Ortelli, and Antoine Grenapin, priced at $29.95. A souvenir photo album of the 2022 French Grand Prix, produced by Nicolas Lerooy, is also available for collectors.
To hang a piece of F1 history on your wall, iconic covers from L'Équipe can be ordered as printed posters starting at €29. If the edition is less than three months old, you can even request a new paper copy for around €10.
Fans who appreciate exclusive images can browse the online stores of F1 photographers such as Vincent Guignet, Laurent Lefebvre, and Guillaume Perez, who sell unique shots taken during test days and race weekends.
Finally, a touch of humor never hurts: Charles Leclerc's famous banana suit, worn during a live web challenge, can be purchased for €19, guaranteed to make all Ferrari fans laugh. A decorative poster from the official F1 store F1 has partnered with the Automobilist website, which sells F1-certified posters. Prices start at €19 on sale, with a range up to €200. > Posters from the F1 store on Automobilist, starting at €19
Gifts for an F1 fan between $35 and $70
A cap or clothing featuring their favorite driver
Each F1 team runs its own online store, and the sport itself operates an official store offering a full range of merchandise. Headict, a manufacturer of custom caps based in Haute-Savoie, also supplies New Era McLaren caps. The official Alpine store offers helmets in the colors of Ocon or Alonso.
> Official F1 store – merchandise
> McLaren cap from $28.90 (on sale)
> Alpine cap signed by Ocon for €45
The F1 2022 video game for PC or consoles Codemasters releases a new edition of its F1 franchise for PC, PS5, and Xbox every year. If you know a fan who owns a console, this title is a sure bet.
> F1 2022 for Xbox – $44.99
> <a href="https://store.playstation.com/fr-fr/product/EP0006-CUSA2943100-F12022PS4GAME000″ target=”blank” rel=”nofollow” title=”F1 PS4 game”>F1 2022 for PS4 – €34.99
A LEGO Mercedes AMG F1 W12 set LEGO has partnered with several F1 teams to produce licensed building kits. The most accessible is the Mercedes F1 set, which includes a driver, a mechanic, and the AMG Project One.
> LEGO Mercedes F1 2021 Pack – $44.99
Gifts for F1 fans between $50 and $100
F1 TV Pro subscription Imagine being able to watch all the sessions live, whenever and wherever you want. That's exactly what F1 TV Pro offers for €65 per year. The app works on phones, tablets, and computers, and can be streamed to a TV if you have a compatible device.
Tickets for the French Historic Grand Prix A vintage car Grand Prix will take place at the Paul Ricard circuit, allowing fans to relive classic moments in motor racing. Prices start at €30 for a weekend pass and go up to €490 for premium packages.
Tickets for the French Historic Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard circuit An electric F1 track for kids
A radio-controlled electric track is a great gift for young fans. At less than $100, it promises hours of fun. > <a href="https://www.king-jouet.com/jeu-jouet/vehicules-circuits-jouets-radiocommandes/garages-circuits/ref-744484-circuit-f1-mercedes-ferrari.htm?utmreferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F” target=”blank” rel=”nofollow” title=”Radio-controlled electric track”>Electric F1 track
A large-scale miniature Miniature models remain popular with collectors of all ages. This 1/18 scale 2018 Ferrari, sporting Sebastian Vettel's colors, is available for €63.
> Ferrari 2018 in 1/18 scale – $63
Gifts for F1 fans over $100
LEGO Technic McLaren F1 set A replica of the 2022 McLaren F1, built from 1,434 LEGO pieces, makes a spectacular gift. It is sold at Auchan, Carrefour, Leclerc and online on the LEGO website, currently priced at €159.
> McLaren F1 Technic – $199.99
Canal+ subscription Canal+ remains the official broadcaster of F1 in France. A subscription will allow all fans to follow the upcoming seasons. Professional radio-controlled F1 car For enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on projects, it is possible to purchase a high-end RC F1 chassis and then paint it in the colors of their favorite team. It combines the thrill of racing with a DIY element.
> Customizable radio-controlled F1 car – €300
Imagine giving an F1 fan a taste of the glamour of the sport without them having to chase the podium. From miniature helmets in the colors of a legend to exclusive access that allows you to rub shoulders with the teams, there is a surprisingly wide choice of gifts that bring the world of motor racing to life.
A replica of Ayrton Senna's iconic McLaren MP4-5B helmet is an excellent choice to start with. Reduced to half its size and priced at less than €150, this item allows any enthusiast to wear a piece of history without paying the price of an authentic racing helmet.
If a trip to the track sounds more exciting, the 2023 calendar still offers plenty of options close to France. Although the French Grand Prix is not on the schedule, neighboring circuits are gearing up: Monaco, Barcelona, Imola, Monza, Spa-Francorchamps, and Zandvoort are all hosting races this year. Tickets for the Spanish Grand Prix start at $350 for a three-day pass, a good starting point for fans eager to soak up the atmosphere. For those who want to go beyond the grandstands, the coveted Paddock Pass opens the doors to the sanctuary of a Grand Prix weekend. Holders can stroll through the paddock aisles, peek into the hospitality trucks that cater to drivers and mechanics, and feel the excitement of a race weekend at the heart of the action. However, places are limited, as organizers are still juggling visitor numbers due to pandemic restrictions. And for the ultimate hands-on experience, many circuits now offer single-seater driving schools. A ten-lap introductory session in a Formula Renault car typically costs around €200, while more advanced packages, featuring more powerful machines or even restricted F1 chassis, can cost more. This is the closest most fans will get to the driver's seat. Collectors can also search for authentic race-used parts on the F1 Authentics marketplace. The site lists everything from chassis fragments to gearboxes that have competed in races or survived crashes, in a wide range of prices. In addition to hardware, fans can bid on driver-signed memorabilia such as paintings, caps, and clothing.
Finally, the world of F1 extends to the field of fine watchmaking. Teams partner with luxury watchmakers, notably Mercedes with IWC and Red Bull with Tag Heuer, to produce watches that reflect the precision of the sport. The IWC Aviator Mercedes F1 Edition in turquoise blue, available for €8,600, is a notable example.
Whether it's a replica helmet, a weekend at a nearby Grand Prix, a paddock pass, an introduction to single-seater racing, authentic racing parts, or a high-end watch, there's a tailor-made solution to make every F1 fan feel like a full member of the circuit.
