As surprising as it may sound to hear that toy giant Mattel and Formula 1 haven’t already worked together to build a Hot Wheels die-cast, the two world-renowned brands have finally partnered up. This collaboration starts with a 1:64 scale F1 car offered through Mattel Creations, finished in a Hot Wheels livery. As part of the toy maker’s premium line, it rides on Real Rider wheels with interchangeable tires while featuring a whole metal body.
“Hot Wheels has always been about nurturing the challenger spirit, so the partnership with Formula 1 is a natural and exciting fit. It will bring two of the largest global fan communities together to share their passion for cars and racing,” says Roberto Stanichi, Hot Wheels Executive Vice President & Head of Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel.
Its nose wears the number “68,” representing the year Hot Wheels was founded. It will ship in a Kar Keepers collector’s clamshell as a limited-run model. Mattel has yet to announce how many of these $25 die-cast models it plans to produce. However, as the partnership advances, cars wearing the liveries of various Formula 1 teams will become available, expanding the series.
According to Emily Prazer, Formula 1’s Chief Commercial Officer, “The exciting collaboration will bring together the adrenaline of motor racing and the excitement of toy cars and provide opportunities to see the fine details that go into an F1 car, all in the palm of your hand. It’s more than just a partnership; it’s a celebration of speed, creativity, and innovation that will bring fans a new way to engage with the sport.”
Although this partnership starts with a limited run of cars, the toymaker, and the racing series state that this multi-year collaboration will result in a full line of toys to come.
