Well that’s Christmas sorted: Hot Wheels is branching into F1 cars…

With almost clockwork inevitability, we bring news that the most globally visible motorsport in the world is teaming up with the makers of 2023’s best-selling toy. That sound you can hear is the intense high-fiving in corporate…

Sorry, we sound like The Grinch don’t we? In a move likely to delight little ones the world over, you’ll soon be able to add F1 to your Hot Wheels-based playtime.

And it all starts with this, a 1:64 scale die-cast F1 car sporting a Hot Wheels livery. Apparently it's a ‘one-of-a-kind’ limited edition to kickstart the F1 range, and it comes with its own clamshell case and Rear Rider wheels with interchangeable tyres. So you too can experience the exhilaration of boxing for mediums.

As you’d expect the body and chassis are made from metal, and the 68 on the nose is a nod to the year Hot Wheels came into the world.

Hot Wheels suggests that proper F1 team liveries will follow. Phew, we were getting Pro Evolution Soccer vibes for a moment there. Come on Man Red!

“It will bring two of the largest global fan communities together, to share their passion for cars and racing,” said Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president of Hot Wheels and Head of Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel. “In collaboration with Formula 1, we have put together a program that allows kids to replicate the thrill of F1 racing where they can drive like the pros and engage with our loyal communities on a global scale.

“Like Hot Wheels, F1 is all about thrill and car performance, and the broad collection we've created will take F1 fandom to the next level along with additional consumer touchpoints like digital and retail activations.”

Get those letters to Santa in immediately.