The Formula 1 racewear trend: More horsepower, fewer fascinators

What is Formula 1 racewear?

Singer Dua Lipa’s racewear style on show at a Milan launch party.Credit: Getty Images

For decades, “racewear” has been synonymous with balancing precarious hats, minuscule handbags and glasses of tepid champagne while puncturing lawns in painfully endured stilettos as horses gallop around in the distance. Meanwhile, men struggle with ties, pocket handkerchiefs and quadrella combos while squeezing into suits last worn at a job interview or wedding.

Since the success of the Netflix series Drive to Survive, though, the world of Formula 1 has been muscling in on the racewear category with more horsepower and fewer fascinators. French luxury label Louis Vuitton is the new title partner of the Formula 1 Australia Grand Prix in Melbourne this year, driver Lewis Hamilton is one of the world’s best-dressed men and celebrities are securing stylists to dress them for events in Monaco, Las Vegas and Monza.

While traditional racewear is about dressing as if you travel only by limousine, Formula 1 style communicates that you understand exactly what’s going on beneath the bonnet of a car. Brash logos and bright colours against oil-slick black rev up the impression of high-octane chic.

It’s a look that travels well away from the racetrack, too, fusing the motocross vibe of Nicole Kidman in BMX Bandits with singer Dua Lipa’s girl-on-the-go approach to sneakers and miniskirts. The result is brash, loud and free from constraint. Just remember the rules of any type of high-speed engagement: pace yourself – and be sure to keep your shoes on until you get home.

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