Late last year, Southern California-based toy maker Mattel announced a multi-year licensing partnership with Formula 1. Today, Hot Wheels gives us our first look at its upcoming co-branded products expected to go on sale later this year.
Out of the 10 teams you’ll see on the grid this year, eight have shrunk to a 1:64 scale, including BWT Alpine, MoneyGram Haas, Kick Sauber, McLaren Formula 1, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS, Visa Cash App RB, Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Williams Racing.
Mattel plans to offer these tiny racers in two forms. The first is the classic 1:64 die-cast Hot Wheels Single, each priced at $1.25. While the Red Bull Racing models are available today, the cars from the remaining will hit shelves progressively over the coming months.
The second offering is part of its Premium Series, retailing for $7.99 each. It offers an upgraded metal boy and chassis, and Real Riders tires made out of rubber, complete with Pirelli branding. Availability for these will start in July of this year.
According to Emily Prazer, Formula 1’s Chief Commercial Officer: “It’s fantastic to see the Hot Wheels Formula 1 collection hit the shelves. We want to increase our fans’ passion for racing, and these superbly and intricately designed cars will allow fans to experience the drama and excitement of Formula 1 in the palm of their hands every time they play at home.”
Alongside the singles, Hot Wheels plans to sell its Formula 1 collaboration in 5-pack assortments priced at $6.25 with availability starting today. Mattell built a Sprint Race Circuit alongside the racers priced at $39.99. A manual gas pedal booster propels the cars across the tiny track while a diverter sends them through an inner and an outer course. It will become available beginning on August 16th.
The top offering from this latest collaboration is the Grand Prix Race Circuit, priced at $74.99. To simulate the effects of the actual cars’ Drag Reduction System, or DRS, the set includes two manual diverters to aid in overtaking. It includes a 25-lap counter and will become available on August 30th.