Making F1 Merch to Dominate the Grid in 2026
Throughout our 10+ years of creating custom merch, we have had the pleasure of collaborating with some of the world's most prominent organisations and talented designers.
One of the most compelling industries we've had the opportunity to work in is the high-octane world of Formula 1.
Whether we're working with F1 teams directly or independent artists inspired by the sport, we always find it exciting to create these motorsport-inspired products.
McLaren F1 Merch
The mighty McLaren began life in F1 in 1966 and are the second longest serving team in Formula 1 history. Since then, they've achieved incredible success with 13 World Driver Championships, 10 Constructor Championships, and over 200 race wins following the incredible 2025 season that saw Lando Norris crowned world champion. We've been fortunate to work with this iconic Formula 1 team to create their merch.
It's been a privilege to help McLaren produce their internal brand and recognition pin badges. Their "Speedy Kiwi" Bruce McLaren long service awards, "Fearlessly Forward" branding badges, and famous McLaren swoosh pins are superb examples of the Formula 1 merchandise we've manufactured.
We use Pantone matching to ensure the team's legendary papaya orange is accurately represented in every pin badge they order.
Farewell Fernando
In 2018, two-time world champ Fernando Alonso called time on his legendary Formula 1 career, during which he had established himself as one of the all-time greats and a driver known for his craftiness both on and off the track.
Alonso's (supposed) final seat in F1 came in the MCL33 Papaya following his return to the team after his single-year stint in 2007. To honour their driver, McLaren asked us to create "Hasta Luego Fernando" pin badges and backing cards, which they used to celebrate Alonso's career and contributions to the team.
Of course, Fernando came out of retirement just two years later to rejoin Renault (rebranded as Alpine), the team with whom he won two world driver championships.
But maybe his return to F1 makes these hard enamel pins even more collectable? Or maybe we'll be making a similar pin for Aston Martin at the end of the year ... if they make it till then, that is.
Backing cards let you create a bigger picture for your enamel pins. Use them to enhance your design, add business & contact details, or, as McLaren did, to commemorate and congratulate achievements and accomplishments.
The Weirdly Addictive World of F1 Helmet Pins
Formula 1 fans collect everything F1-related. Strange things. Mini helmets. LEGO models. Pieces of rubber that someone swears are marbles that came off Ayrton Senna’s 1990 world championship-winning McLaren MP4 .
But lately, Formula 1 fan-made merch is taking internet shops by storm.
Driver helmet pins, in particular, and once you notice them, you start seeing them everywhere, especially in the paddock. Jackets. Backpacks. Pin boards. People buying one for every driver they like.
We’ve been making pin badges, patches, and keyrings for F1 fans for over a decade, and as pin sellers become more adventurous and our technology advances, the products we produce keep getting better and better.
Why Fans Make Better F1 Merch Than The Official Stores
F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport; the attention to detail of the drivers, engineers, data analysts, team principals, and aerodynamacists is second to none. So, it’s always frustrating for Formula 1 fans when that same obsessive nature isn't applied to the merch.
That’s why so much of the best F1-inspired merch isn’t made by big brands.
It’s made by fans.
Designers like Purple Sector Pins and Tezza by Tyler are creating things that official merch just doesn't get close to. Helmet designs. driver references. inside jokes only true F1 fans understand.
It’s merch made by people who’ll get up at 4 o’clock on a Friday morning to watch Free Practice 1 of the Australian Grand Prix.
Hommage Badges & Vintage Formula 1 Merch
Some of our petrol-headed clients use their design talents (or utilise our talents and free design service) to create badges and keyrings to pay tribute to their favourite drivers and recreate vintage F1 merch.
It's no secret that Ayrton Senna is the racing hero of a certain Lewis Hamilton. The eight-time world champion (you heard us right, eight!) has become an honourary Brazilian thanks to the Senna-Hamilton connection, which makes these pin badges the perfect partners.
Our client used our screen printing option to add the sponsor logos to Senna's helmet, which would have been impossible to recreate in enamel.
F1 Keyrings - Helmets & Tracks
Formula 1 keyrings are an excellent product for race fans and motorsport fanatics to show support for drivers and commemorate visits to tracks and Grand Prix events.
Remembering the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Nigel Mansell is one way to create custom merch. However, supporting current drivers like Lando Norris & Charles Leclerc with custom F1 merch can be lucrative for online shops and motorsport stores.
Make Your Own Formula 1 & Motorsport Merch
Follow in the Pirelli tracks of McLaren and other F1 enthusiasts by sending us your ideas to make motorsport merch to represent your favourite drivers, promote your racing team, or honour the greatest racers in history.
Our in-house design team stands on the top step of the podium in terms of expertise and industry knowledge. To paraphrase the late, great Graham Hill, "We're artists, enamel is our canvas, our client's designs are our brushes".
Contact us today with your ideas, and it'll be lights out and away we go!