In need of gift inspiration for the motorsport fan in your life? Here’s a selection of recommendations from £10 to £8,000.
Books
It’s been a good year for fans of heritage Formula 1 teams as in-depth studies of two past champion outfits appeared. Both “Benetton: Rebels of Formula 1” and “Tyrrell: The story of the Tyrrell Racing Organisation” are well worth the outlay as well.
For obvious reasons it’s always harder to recommend books on drivers whose careers are ongoing. However if the F1 fan you’re shopping for is particularly keen on Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc or George Russell then good luck – all three are featured in new books which appeared this year.
We’ve got a few more late book reviews coming soon so keep an eye out for other last-minute recommendations.
- ““Benetton: Rebels of Formula 1” reviewed
- “Tyrrell: The story of the Tyrrell Racing Organisation” reviewed
- ‘Charles Leclerc’ and ‘Lando Norris’ biographies reviewed
- More F1 reviews
Annuals
Besides an authoritative account of the past Formula 1 season, Autocourse packs in detailed coverage of the wider motorsport world as well, making it an essential reference to a year of racing action. A generous helping of top-quality photographs make this annual a must-buy.
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We love the look of these unofficial but superbly designed drinks mats featuring every driver from this year (and the 2024 F1 season).
Toys
Motorsport fans are well catered for by Lego, but the chunkier style classic cars lend themselves best to being represented in bricks – which is why we especially like this representation of Ferrari’s 512 M. A fine choice to mark the team’s winning return to endurance racing this year and a very affordable price.
If you’re willing to spend a little more – and looking for something contemporary – how about Peugeot’s unorthodox 9X8 WEC racer, or the brilliantly detailed model of McLaren’s 2022 F1 car released last year.
Detailed F1 car models can be on the pricey side. But if you’re looking for a playable model of a young fan’s favourite car, simpler ones can be had for much less – and even cheaper if you’re prepared to get a pre-2023 edition.
- Buy Lego Ferrari 512 M
- Buy Lego Peugeot 9X8
- Buy the Lego McLaren F1 car
- Buy the Bburago 2023 Max Verstappen Red Bull model car
F1 car model kits
What better way to while away the off-season than by building a model of your favourite F1 car? Celebrate the wildly unusual six-wheeled Tyrrell with this kit.
Cinema tickets
Granted, the reviews of for Michael Mann’s new film about Enzo Ferrari haven’t exactly been spectacular. Still, it’s a rare chance to see motorsport on the big screen, particularly as Lewis Hamilton’s Brad Pitt blockbuster has been delayed due to the Hollywood strike.
Teamwear
Ordinarily, the problem with buying Formula 1 merchandise at this time of year is that half the field is about to switch teams. But with all 20 drivers staying put for this season you can buy in confidence that you’ll get at least 12 months’ wear out of your purchase before it looks obviously out of date.
Besides which, would you bet against Max Verstappen caps with a number ‘1’ looking out of date come 2025?
Games
Cockpit or pit wall? The official Formula 1 game series now caters for both options. Here’s our verdict on both games:
- “F1 Manager 23” reviewed – A successful upgrade package?
- ‘F1 23’ reviewed: Do new additions and return of story mode make it a must-buy?
Calendars
If you had your heart set on Valtteri Bottas’ cheeky bare-bottomed calendar then bad news – the shelves have been stripped bare. But if you enjoy the F1 photographs of XPB Images featured throughout RaceFans then good news – the 2024 Autocourse calendar is packed with them:
Tyres
Formula 1 gets through thousands of tyres a year, and as the series strives to become more sustainable these are increasingly finding their way into more products. So if you’re looking for a new strap for your smart watch or just like the look of the scaled-down wind tunnel tyres handed out to pole-winning drivers, you can get your hands on them.
A tyre has also been used to create possibly the ultimately jewellery item for a Michael Schumacher fan. A left-rear Goodyear used when he scored his first victory in Italy as a Ferrari driver has been used to create the Mongrip MZ96, a limited edition of bracelets, each featuring seven diamonds to commemorate his record number of championship wins. You won’t get any change from £8,000, however…
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Over to you
Have you got any motorsport gift recommendations? Share your suggestions in the comments.
Formula 1 gifts
- RaceFans 2022 Gift Guide for motorsport fans
- Half-price F1 car track day and more great gift ideas for motorsport fans in 2021
- RaceFans 2020 gift guide: The best books, games, simracing gear and more
- The £7,000 Niki Lauda tribute Mercedes model – and a few cheaper gift ideas for 2019
- The £6,000, 1:8 scale Lewis Hamilton Mercedes replica – and 10 more F1 gift ideas
Sonny Crockett (@sonnycrockett)
15th December 2023, 14:13
I’m loving those beer mats!!!
MichaelN
15th December 2023, 16:00
That Ferrari 512 M is surprisingly well done, given the constraints inherent in both the shape of the LEGO blocks and the small size of the thing.
If you have some extra cash to spend, and the person you’re buying for has thing for McLaren, there’s a fun selection of fancy items on F1 Authentics made with parts from raced McLaren F1 cars, like a phone holder, lamps, clocks (from about 300 to 900 USD) and even a table from a engine cover (although that’s about 7.000 USD!)
Haas Khan (@haas918)
21st December 2023, 22:12
I love the Max Verstappen’s cap. I have been trying to find good gift guides in the last few days and this one is probably the best one. The other good one that I’ve found so far is this one. I hope some other readers of this post can also share other good holiday gift guides for f1 fans here. Looking forward for such suggestions.