F1 world champion Max Verstappen teams with Fanatics on opening of global online store
Fanatics and four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen have announced an exclusive multi-year global partnership focused on e-commerce, licensed sports merchandise and trading cards - the latter including autographs, inscriptions and race worn relics.
Fans around the world will be able to collect exclusive Verstappen trading cards and also shop for merchandise at a new global online Verstappen store, launching in early 2026.
Verstappen will become the first active athlete to partner with Fanatics Commerce to open a global online store and will provide fans worldwide with faster access to products and real-time, on-demand items tied to milestone performances and major race moments.
Fanatics will launch a new global e-commerce destination at Verstappen.com with rights to design, manufacture and distribute a range of officially licensed Verstappen merchandise, including apparel, headwear, accessories and special product drops.
To celebrate the announcement, Fanatics Collectibles has released a 1/1 Only1 Verstappen card in the F1 Eccellenza 2025 collection. The card commemorates Verstappen’s record breaking lap at Monza, the fastest recorded in F1 history. It contains an insert of the race suit worn in Monza and each driver will have only one issued over the course of a career.
“It is great to partner with Fanatics and provide exclusive products and experience to all of my fans, no matter where they are in the world,” says Verstappen. “I look forward to working with the Fanatics teams across merchandise and collectibles to create products and experiences that feel authentic to my journey and give fans something special to collect and enjoy globally.”
“Max’s global fan base continues to grow at remarkable speed, and we are proud to help elevate how his fans engage with him,” says Andrew Low Ah Kee, CEO at Fanatics Commerce. “His success on track and international popularity have made him one of the world’s most influential athletes. Our team is excited to have him as a part of our Fanatics global network, creating merchandise that carries real meaning for Max and his fans across the world.”
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Max to the Fanatics family,” says Mike Mahan, Fanatics Collectibles CEO. “All of us at Fanatics are huge fans - and his cards are extremely popular and valued in the hobby. With Max, we look forward to developing never before seen innovative product that will continue to grow our global F1 success with both fans and collectors.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Online retail was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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