Meet the Formula 1 race car drivers who have become the it boys of fashion

Rather than divert their attention to actors and models, men tend to turn to their favourite sportsmen for fashion advice. It's the well-constructed reason why fashion brands thrive at events; such as the Indian Premier League, the Wimbledon championship or the Monaco Grand Prix as it's clever product placement through the sportsmen that aren't just appeasing the female gaze; but also providing plenty of inspiration for men to up their fashion game. While all kinds of sportsmen have entered the fashion arena, Formula 1 drivers are a cut above with their style; leading to their establishment as it-boys. Cutting-edge cool and exhilaratingly edgy, they look just as good posed in front of their cars as they do behind the wheel. Today, race car drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda and more are front and centre on the red carpet of the world's most prestigious fashion events; like the Met Gala, for instance.

This year's edition at the Met also saw a race car driver suit and helmet accented with gemstones make an appearance on the prestigious red carpet. It was all thanks to Damson Idris's clever way of doing both; showing off his fashion game as well as promoting his upcoming Formula 1 movie at the event. The upcoming Hollywood movie will also have many it boys of the Formula 1 circuit go shoulder-to-shoulder with Hollywood A-lister, Brad Pitt.  

Besides events, one look at their social media profiles will have you yearning to join them on their fancy vacations; which are the personifications of a luxury lifestyle. 

Their trackside fashion moments, and personal styling game; which include style that's often fresh off-the-runway, has led them to have many successful fashion collaborations. Formula 1 has merged with fashion multiple times through designers and labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Tag Heuer, TUMI and more. Collaborations by coveted fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton and Richard Mille with the racing teams such as Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, Red Bull and more left their mark on the world. It has led to the release of exclusive merchandise and branding on team uniforms, thus catching the eyes of younger audiences.

Lewis Hamilton, a British race car driver for Ferrari, has a long-standing partnership with Tommy Hilfiger and has also collaborated with French luxury fashion house Dior for their Afrofuturism collection. Lando Norris, another British race car driver for McLaren, has been the face of Ralph Lauren fragrances and partnered with TUMI, through McLaren's collaboration with the brand. 

For their made-to-measure campaign in 2021, Giorgio Armani sought out Charles Leclerc, a Monacan race car driver for Ferrari. In addition, Leclerc created the The Ferrari x Charles Leclerc Capsule Collection, which was co-created by Leclerc himself alongside Rocco Iannone, the creative director of Ferrari style. 

From branded collaborations to personal styling moments, these race car drivers are influencing many young men to upgrade their wardrobes. Other than themselves, their fashion-forward partners are lending them additional brownie points. Take Leclerc's girlfriend, Alexandra Saint Mleux. 

Apart from these, Formula 1 race car events such as the Miami Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix, and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have become turfs for trackside style. While race car drivers look dapper in their fancy uniforms and protective headgear, celebrities come out in support of these drivers and bring their fashion A-game. The recent Monaco Grand Prix 2025 saw stars such as Dua Lipa, Patrick Dempsey, Simone Ashley and Disha Patani dressed to the nines as they watched the race car track.

It seems as if Formula 1 race car drivers are the new stars of mens wear; and for good reason, no less.