The driving force of Formula 1 fashion through history

Fashion and sport have always had an undeniable connection, even if it’s not always immediately apparent. Nowhere is this more evident than in the thrilling world of motorsports. Formula 1 (F1) racing seamlessly blends cutting-edge design with high-speed action, where state-of-the-art racing suits push the boundaries of fashion, and the trackside style sets global trends.

In the early days of F1, racing suits were purely functional: drivers needed a uniform that was protective against risky conditions, and agile enough to reach searing speeds. By the 1970s, however, a boom in popularity meant F1 drivers became household names themselves – and, with their newfound status, the sport became a verified fashionable breeding ground. Take James Hunt, for example. The iconic 1970s driver is just as easily remembered today for his achievements on the track, as he is for his signature low-fuss style.

Despite his celebrity status and a wave of sponsorships at the height of his career, Hunt never swayed from his rebelliously scruffed T-shirt and jeans. Fast forward to 2025, and the relationship between Formula 1 drivers and fashion has exploded well beyond sponsorships and merchandise. These days, the Aston Martin team have custom uniforms created by Tom Ford, while Mercedes has partnered with IWC Schaffhausen to ensure their drivers are kitted out with luxury watches. Ferrari even has its own fashion line, Ferrari Style, which debuted at Milan Fashion Week in late 2024.

Drivers themselves have also reached a new level of fashionable celebrity. Helped along by the mammoth success of Netflix’s Drive To Survive, the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Kimi Räikkönen have gone beyond the racetrack to establish themselves as mainstays in the fashion world. F1 fans are just as interested with what they wear pre- and post-race, with how they perform on the track.

It’s also more important than ever to look the part in the F1 paddock – a trend largely kicked into gear (no pun intended) in the ‘70s by Hunt’s then-wife, supermodel Suzy Hunt (née Miller). An effortlessly chic counterpart to James’ rugged style, figures like Suzy helped revolutionise spectator fashion.

Her style—tailored dresses, elegant hair, and timeless accessories—became a symbol of the F1 track, reinforcing the sport as one of the most rarefied in the world, both in skill and fashion. It’s no longer unusual to see celebrities of the highest calibre – from ‘90s supermodels to A-list actresses – making their way to Grand Prix’s courses across the world, and looking impeccable doing it.

Later this month, when the Australian Grand Prix kicks off in Melbourne, our eyes will be trained to the paddock to see what looks the elite attendees put together – when we’re not watching the race, of course.

The influence of F1 on fashion is reciprocal, with racing-inspired styles seeping into runways across several seasons. For Fall Winter 2020, Louis Vuitton sent racing-inspired jumpsuits down the runway, a motif that recurred in the menswear collection for Spring Summer 2022, and again for Fall Winter 2024. Balenciaga has long leaned into the racing vibe, with pieces that combine the brand’s futuristic aesthetic with a performance-ready edge. Closer to home, New Zealand designer Wynn Hamlyn took over an actual go karting track for its Spring Summer 24 collection, which was laden with more than a few Motosport references.

Even Chanel is on board the trend, channeling the energy of the track into moto jackets and boiler suits as part of the always-memorable Cruise 2023 collection.

Still not convinced? Relive some of the most iconic Formula 1 fashion moments in history, below.