2026 is a major regulation year for Formula 1: smaller, lighter cars, reworked aerodynamics and new power units. Team gear is entering a new cycle too — less a wall of sponsor logos, more a complete streetwear collection.

How the 2026 rules change the look

The new regulations alter the proportions of the cars, and team identities now lean harder into simplicity and a sense of speed. In apparel, that means more negative space, more disciplined palettes and cuts closer to sportswear lifestyle brands. The old race tee covered in small logos is fading; large colour blocks and a single strong symbol are taking over.

Four staple pieces and where they work

  • Team T-shirt: the most everyday option, worn alone or as a layer. Choose cotton or a cotton blend and a looser cut than actual racewear.
  • Polo shirt: a step more formal, good for race days, gatherings or relaxed office settings.
  • Jacket or windbreaker: the closest to paddock kit — wind-resistant, lightweight and ideal for spring, autumn and night races.
  • Cap: the most recognisable piece and the easiest entry point. Choose an adjustable back and avoid overly stiff shapes.

Ferrari and McLaren: two different languages

Ferrari merchandise has long revolved around red, which reads warmer and more direct. McLaren often pairs papaya orange with dark tones, giving it a more technical, modern feel. Which one to choose often comes down to the colours already in your wardrobe: red works with black, white and denim; orange works with dark grey, black and beige.

If this is your first F1 purchase, start with a cap or a T-shirt rather than a jacket. A cap gets the most use and is the quickest way to work out whether you genuinely like a team’s visual language.

Fit and sizing

Team gear is usually produced by sponsors, and sizing varies noticeably between teams and seasons. Racewear is tight, lifestyle pieces are closer to true size, and jackets often need room for layering. Check the specific product’s size chart, especially shoulder width and body length. Women’s and youth cuts are proportioned differently from men’s.

How to avoid looking like you just left the paddock

Keep one racing element per outfit. With a team T-shirt, choose solid denim or cargos and white or black shoes. With a jacket, layer a plain white or black tee underneath and skip the team cap. One strong symbol reads more knowledgeable than three.

Let the team colour be the only high-saturation piece. Ferrari red with black straight-leg trousers is hard to get wrong; McLaren orange with dark grey or washed black denim feels more contemporary. Avoid mixing red, orange and blue team colours in one outfit — it starts to look like a sponsor board.

Care

Prints and sponsor marks on team tees are sensitive to heat. Wash inside out in cold water, skip the dryer and never iron directly over graphics. Hang jackets rather than folding them for long periods to avoid hard creases. If a cap is hand-washable, spot clean it instead of soaking the whole crown.

Is it worth buying?

If you only watch the races, a team T-shirt and cap are the most practical entry points. If you are into racing culture, jackets and polos better express the engineering side of the sport. Gear from the 2026 regulation season carries a clear timestamp, which adds collector value.

Explore the F1 collection, or go straight to Ferrari and McLaren.