Gifts for F1 Fans – A Practical Guide for Every Budget

photo: thedrive.com

Formula 1 is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world—with Liberty Media estimating its fan base at 650 million. In Poland, interest in F1 has made a strong comeback, mainly thanks to Robert Kubica and the Drive to Survive series, which has attracted a new generation to the sport. And every fan—whether a Verstappen supporter or a Schumacher nostalgist—is a discerning audience. The kind who can instantly spot a cheap knockoff and truly appreciate an authentic piece of merchandise.

Gifts for an F1 Fan – Quick Start and Our Suggestions

The F1 gadget market has exploded in recent years—from team shirts to exclusive model cars, steering wheel simulators, and VIP tickets.

photo: f1store4.formula1.com

The end of 2025 and the upcoming 2026 season are the perfect time to start thinking about a gift in advance—especially if you’re considering a Grand Prix ticket or a limited-edition gadget that sells out fast. Further in the article, you’ll find specific ideas, divided by budget and fan type. After all, a gift for a tech enthusiast is something different than for a memorabilia collector.

What type of F1 fan are you shopping for, and how do you set your budget?

Not every F1 fan is the same or shares the same level of passion. Some people watch races occasionally, others have an entire collection of model cars at home, while still others follow every practice session and analyze telemetry data. Before choosing a gift, it’s worth understanding who you’re dealing with—and how much you’re willing to spend.

photo motorsport.com

The most common types of F1 fans

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you quickly get the gist of the situation:

Type of fan	How can you recognize him	Estimated budget
Occasional viewer	Watches mainly the Monaco GP and Silverstone, knows the names of the top drivers	100-200 PLN
Regular fan	Never misses a race, always wears their favorite team’s jersey	200-500 PLN
Hardcore fan	Tracks training sessions, knows F1 history, travels to GPs	500-1500 PLN+
A child fascinated by race cars	He spends hours playing with cars, drawing the Spa-Francorchamps track	150-400 PLN

Market statistics show that fans most often spend on clothing (approx. 35%), models and replicas (25%), everyday accessories (20%), memorabilia (15%), and experiences such as tickets or simulators (5%). This gives you a hint as to what really works.

How to quickly determine a gift budget

Before diving into specific categories, ask yourself a few simple questions:

Does this person already have a collection related to F1?
What other hobbies does he have – technical, sports-related, visual?
Does he travel to the races, or does he just watch them on TV?
Does he wear gadgets every day, or does he mostly collect them?

The answers will help you quickly determine whether a small accessory for 120 PLN will do the trick, or if it’s worth investing in something bigger. And remember—a surprise doesn’t require knowing every detail perfectly; just having a general idea is enough.

photo: crazyshop.pl

F1 clothing, gadgets, and accessories for every budget

Clothing and gadgets are basically the easiest way for an F1 fan to show off their team’s colors every day. You don’t have to worry about sizing or risk that someone won’t like it—it’s hard to go wrong here.

Team apparel for the F1 fan

The most popular purchases are team polo shirts (200-400 PLN), logo hoodies (300-600 PLN), and official softshell jackets (500-900 PLN). T-shirts featuring current season graphics cost 120-250 PLN, while limited edition shirts—like the famous “PAMIĘTAJ, KIM JESTEŚ GEORGE” from 2024—sell out in no time. When it comes to apparel, pay attention to sizing: a European M is often an American S, so be sure to check the size chart. More and more brands are opting for recycled polyester—a sustainable trend that’s clearly visible in the 2025 collections.

photo: f1store.formula1.com

Budget gadgets and accessories under 200 PLN

Caps (80-150 PLN), scrunchies (40-70 PLN), thermal mugs (60-120 PLN), wall calendars from the current season (50-90 PLN), or team socks (35-60 PLN) are a perfect choice if you’re on a budget. They’re easy to size (or don’t require sizing), there’s little risk of missing the mark, and any fan will be delighted.

photo: f1store.formula1.com

Where to buy to avoid counterfeits

Official stores—F1 Authentics, Formula1store.com—guarantee authenticity, but expect long delivery times and customs duties for orders over 150 euros. International platforms (Amazon, Fanatics) offer a wider selection, but always check seller reviews. If your budget allows, consider collectible diecasts or models—more on those in a moment.

Models, LEGO sets, and collectible gems for passionate fans

A true F1 fan is someone who wants to have a piece of that world on their shelf—not just watch the race on a screen. A miniature car, a LEGO set with hundreds of pieces, or a signed driver’s helmet can bring more joy than yet another cap with the McLaren logo.

Models and LEGO for younger and older fans

The difference between a toy and a collector’s model? Huge. A 1:64 scale Hot Wheels is a great gift for a child —it costs 20-40 PLN and you can race it across the floor. A set of 20 F1 cars (all 2024 teams) is about 250 PLN and already makes an impression.

On the other hand, the LEGO Technic Mercedes AMG W14 E Performance features 1,600 pieces, a working DRS system, and a steering wheel—costing around 900 PLN. That’s no longer a toy, but a project for several evenings. Or a Minichamps in 1:18 scale with detailed paintwork and cockpit interior for 400-600 PLN—a model like that sits in a display case for years.

Signed memorabilia and car parts

Memorabilia are a whole different price league. A signed replica helmet starts at 800 PLN, while an authentic race-used one goes for several thousand and up. On F1 Authentics, you’ll find pieces of wings, car noses, autographed suits—the prices range from 5,000 to 50,000 PLN. The annual WOŚP auctions offer unique items: helmets, gloves, magazines signed by Hamilton or Verstappen.

How to identify authentic collectibles

Certificate of authenticity (COA) is an absolute must—never buy anything pre-owned without it. Check serial numbers, holograms, and original packaging. Models in sealed boxes from Minichamps or Spark are worth more than those that have been opened. At home? A display case with LED lighting protects from dust and creates a wow effect.

If your shelf is full, it’s time to think about something bigger: live experiences.

What to Give as a Gift to an F1 Enthusiast

photo: pitlanesupply.com

Tickets, simulators, and other F1-style experiences

Standing in the grandstand at Silverstone or Monza is—let’s be honest—the ultimate thrill for any F1 fan. But there are plenty more experiences: from a home simulator to exclusive meetings with people from this world.

Grand Prix live as a dream gift

Tickets for the Grand Prix start at around 1,500 PLN (general admission) and can reach up to 50,000 PLN for a VIP package with paddock access. F1 Experiences offers attractions like the Pit Lane Walk or Champions Club—giving access to areas usually off-limits to regular fans. The catch? You need to plan months in advance—not just buying tickets, but also booking flights and hotels (which skyrocket in price during race weekend). On the plus side, from 2026 the calendar will expand to include Madrid, so there will be more logistical options.

Home cockpit: F1 simulators and games

If a trip is out of reach, fans can create their own cockpit at home. The Logitech G29 steering wheel costs around 1,000 PLN, pedals and a stand are another 500-800 PLN. Add F1 25 on PlayStation or PC—and you’ve got weekend training sessions without leaving the living room. VR version? Even more immersive, but you’ll need a headset (~1,500 PLN) and a more powerful computer.

Practical tip: Make sure the recipient has free weekends during the season—discreetly check the race calendar. The worst would be to buy tickets for Monaco, only to find out they have a cousin’s wedding that weekend.

Plan the perfect gift pit stop for the upcoming seasons

photo: popsugar.com

Formula 1 is a sport of precise strategies, countless split-second decisions in the pit lane, and long-term thinking across the entire season. Choosing a gift for a fan is much the same—the best results come from planning ahead, not from a last-minute panic buy the day before their birthday. The perfect gift is all about knowing the type of fan (collector, trackside enthusiast, home strategist?), setting a sensible budget, and deciding between a physical item, a unique collectible, or an experience they’ll remember for years.

Trends that will change gifts for F1 fans

Clear trends are emerging for the upcoming seasons. Sustainable merch—from recycled T-shirts to bio-cotton caps—is starting to dominate official stores. Personalization is reaching new heights: you can already order a 3D model of any race car with your own number and colors, and in a few years, you might be 3D printing it at home. The development of VR and simulators means “being in the cockpit” is now possible without ever setting foot on a track. And new destinations on the calendar—Madrid 2026, potentially Africa—offer fresh excuses for travel gifts for those dreaming of a real journey.

Check the official F1 calendar, your budget, and the fan’s specific preferences now—instead of waiting until the last minute. That’s how the best teams operate: preparation wins the race.

Tommy Speedi

moto & lifestyle editorial

Luxury Blog