Hot Wheels launches full Formula 1 range (and a track!): racing is no small matter

David Linklater
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Standard 1:64 group includes 8 of the 10 F1 teams.

Standard 1:64 group includes 8 of the 10 F1 teams.

Formula 1 is big business, even the very small stuff. Following the first official F1-inspired Hot Wheels car last year and the shoring-up of a multi-year licensing deal between the two brands, Hot Wheels (by Mattel) has now produced a full collection of F1 cars for sale, which are being rolled out as the year progresses.

And tracks, of course. You have to have tracks.

Hot Wheels F1 cars.
Premium cars have a lot more detail... and real Pirelli tyres.

The collection includes 8 teams (Aston Martin and Ferrari are missing, because... business), with single, 5-pack and "premium" products in the mix. All 1:64 diecast cars are designed to run on the famous Hot Wheel orange track system, but the premium cars go into much greater detail, with metal construction, more authentic team liveries and Pirelli-branded tyres.

Track sets include "Formula 1 Sprint" and "Grand Prix Race Circuit" layouts.

The Sprint Race Circuit has a "kid-powered" throttle pedal booster and is based around a head-to-head race and battle to overtake; hit the chicane or get diverted to the inner track to reach the chequered flag. 

Switch to lap mode and players can see how many laps they can do with the lap counter, powering the car along with the throttle pedal booster.


Grand Prix track requires strategy... just like real F1 races. Exactly the same, really.

The Grand Prix Circuit is the "ultimate in die-cast racing", says Hot Wheels, with "actual overtaking on the track". Cars whip around the circuit with the aid of a 2-speed, 3-lane booster.

Timing is crucial as you hit one of the manual DRS diverters and gain extra speed, but first place can also be won or lost on the 2-into-1 "overtake 180" wall.

The dual lane lap counter keeps track of up to 25 laps, but players can also switch into "infinity mode" and race for longer.

“The spirited response from fans around the world following our Hot Wheels and Formula 1 announcement has been thrilling,” says Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president of  Hot Wheels and global head of vehicles and building sets.

“The next phase of the partnership is all about giving fans the products and experiences that bring the worlds of Hot Wheels and F1 together in a way that has never been done before and we’re just getting started.”

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