Formula One has become just as interesting to me for the fashion as the racing.
The paddock is a runway now and everyone is waiting to see what the drivers are going to turn up wearing.
It is almost like a pre-race before the actual race. Who is taking risks, who is serving a look and who is playing it safe? Before they have even got in the car, I am already judging the grid.
I love seeing someone use clothes to show their personality. Some of these drivers could walk straight into Fashion Week. Others need a stylist in the pit lane immediately.
So, starting with my best dressed…
5. George Russell
George has really found his style. He does that clean, preppy, quiet-luxury look so well. Relaxed trousers, knitwear, neutral colours and a really good watch. It is very polished, very put-together and very British.
4. Lando Norris
Lando has such a Gen Z approach to fashion. He can go from oversized hoodies and caps to a beautiful Dior look and somehow both feel completely him. There is a playfulness to the way he dresses, which fashion desperately needs.
3. Charles Leclerc
Charles has that naturally polished style where almost everything he puts on just works. He leans towards oversized silhouettes, gorgeous jackets, simple T-shirts and really good tailoring. He does experiment with his looks sometimes, but he plays it quite safe because he knows exactly what he looks good in.
2. Lewis Hamilton
I know you’re all thinking, “TASHA?! Lewis at No 2?!” But hear me out.
Lewis is the reason we can even have this conversation. He completely changed what an F1 driver could look like off track. He experiments with proportions, colour, tailoring, streetwear and emerging designers.
One of my favourite looks has to be that all-black Rick Owens moment. The exaggerated shoulders, cinched waist and wide-leg cargos created such a strong silhouette. It felt architectural. He isn’t afraid of clothes that challenge you a little.
Fashion is subjective and should start conversations. On almost any other list, he wins, but right now one person is edging it for me.
1. Pierre Gasly
My current No 1 is Pierre. His fashion evolution has been so good. He mixes tailoring with streetwear, plays with proportion and isn’t afraid to have fun with it.
And I have to give an honourable mention to that cowboy moment. The tan fringed leather jacket, white trousers, cowboy boots, belt buckle and full cowboy hat. On paper, it sounds like fancy dress, but Pierre made it fashion. It was bold and exactly the kind of commitment I want to see in the paddock.
Pierre, the chequered flag is yours.
Now to the other end of the grid. Boys, please forgive me.
5. Nico Hulkenberg
Nothing is particularly wrong and that might be the problem. He loves skinny jeans, very 90s-coded, which I can appreciate, but I am ready for a new era. Give me a different silhouette, an oversized leather jacket, an unexpected trouser.
4. Lance Stroll
There are flashes of something here, but I am waiting for the full fashion era. He has all the ingredients for a really chic wardrobe, but I just want him to commit. Less “I’m going to the airport”, more “the airport is my runway”.
3. Oscar Piastri
Oscar has mastered clean and casual, almost like he just chucks on a jumper and denim jeans, but now I want evolution. A great trench coat? Interesting tailoring? Jewellery? Oscar, call me. We’re going shopping.
2. Kimi Antonelli
I am giving Kimi some grace because he is young and developing his style in front of millions of people. But currently, the clothes are not giving me enough to work with. I want to see him discover what his signature actually is.
1. Max Verstappen
Max is an incredible driver. Fashion icon? I am not there yet.
He is definitely a man who knows what he likes: simple and comfortable. So much so that when he turned up in baggy jeans instead of his usual skinny fit, he practically broke the internet. Everyone was like, “Max is wearing baggy jeans?!” That tells you everything.
Pole position on track? Absolutely. Pole position in my wardrobe? Not this season.