The world of F1 is very fast-paced, but it can be fun to slow down and take a deep dive into some of the aspects of the sport that don’t involve racing.
Over the past year, the paddock has been blessed with looks from people on and off the grid. Formula 1 is no stranger to the fashion world, from drivers to celebrities and even fans.
Fashion is a form of self-expression and allows people to get creative with what they wear. When discussing sports, fashion is typically not the first thing in mind. However, fashion took a front-seat approach in Formula 1 because of the high-class nature of the sport and the diverse locations the races take place in.
Fashion allows fans to get a brief look into each driver’s personality and how they choose to express themselves. Lewis Hamilton is one of the most talked about drivers in terms of fashion, but he isn’t the only one.
There isn’t one specific look that ranks above others, but Hamilton has been known to include unforgettable pieces during a race weekend.
Most recently, Hamilton stepped out in a Jawara Alleyne Fall 2024 collection jacket from the runway, paired with Acne Studio jeans and boots from the Dior SS25 collection to top it off. Whether it’s pulled fresh off the runway or straight from the rack, Hamilton rarely disappoints.
Hamilton steps out in designer fashion for the Dutch Grand Prix. Courtesy of Dailymail.com/ Getty Images.
Other drivers have stepped up their fashion game in the past few years, including Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and others. Their pre-race attire and paddock looks showcase impressive brands and stylists that showcase their personal tastes.
The drivers aren’t the only ones who come dressed to impress, as many celebrities grace the paddock with unique looks throughout the year. Some of these celebrities are invited alongside successful brands that they represent during the weekend, or they are dressed in pieces brought straight from the runway to the track.
A notable figure in the Formula 1 fashion scene is Madeline White. As a business owner and influencer, she already cultivated a following of her own, but her paddock looks brought her to new heights in the motorsports world.
From curated looks to partnering with the Ferrari brand itself, White has never disappointed during a Grand Prix weekend. One of her most iconic looks was at the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, where she was dressed head-to-toe in Ferrari Style clothing.
White is no stranger to incredible looks, as she steps out in Ferrari Style during the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. Courtesy of @MadelinecWhite on Instagram.com.
Runway fashion and expensive outfits are not the only looks that turn heads, as many fans have used the race track as their own personal runway. Jerseys and team kits are a great way to show support for their favorite teams, but putting a creative spin on outfits is always a fun way to spice up a look.
Photographer Kym Illman has a segment on his Instagram where he showcases fashion in the paddock. His work features everything from DIY custom outfits to impressive bags and personalized shoes.
These custom Louboutin heels hand-painted by Daniel Cordas were featured in Kym Illman’s “Shoes of the Paddock” segment at the Barcelona Grand Prix. Courtesy of @KymIllman on Instagram.com.
While the most important aspect of Formula 1 is racing, all of the other small elements help make up the community that makes the sport what it is. Something that seems as simple as fun outfits can bring an entire new fanbase to a sport that they wouldn’t have glanced at before.
Especially for women, bringing in an element such as fashion highlights the importance of including “nontraditional” things in sports. In a male-dominated field, something as simple as an outfit can bring a lot of important change for the future. It changes the way many people think about what is strictly regarded as only for men or women.
With the second half of the season beginning, there is so much more in store for the rest of 2024. The excitement is not limited to racing but extended toward more iconic paddock and grandstand fashion for everyone to enjoy.
Edited by Reese Dlabach
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