The Hello Kitty F1 Academy Collab Explained
Hello Kitty and the F1 Academy might seem like an odd pairing, but here’s how the two unlikely partners will join forces at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Screaming engines, split-second pit stops, high-stakes betting and drivers living life on the edge – these are the things that pop into our mind when thinking of F1. This is not exactly the world you’d expect to be seeing a bow-wearing cartoon cat. But it’s happening!
Yes, you read that right: Hello Kitty is officially teaming up with the F1 Academy for the Las Vegas Grand Prix this November. As a part of the collaboration, fans can expect exclusive merchandise, themed grandstands, and interactive fan experiences.
What’s Happening?
F1 Academy has partnered with Hello Kitty and Friends for a first-of-its-kind collaboration at the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix finale, set for 20–22 November 2025.
Fans can expect a 36-piece fashion and lifestyle collection, bow-branded grandstands, and immersive fan zones with interactive pop-ups across the strip.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Hello Kitty and Friends to celebrate the final round of our season,” said Susie Wolff, the Managing Director of the F1 Academy.
“A big thank you goes to the team in Las Vegas for all their support in making this possible. Set against the iconic skyline, we’re creating a finale like no other. With the Hello Kitty Grandstand experience and merchandise range, we want to go out with a bang and challenge the outdated perceptions of what belongs in motorsport,” she continued.
Craig Takiguchi, Chief Operating Officer at Sanrio, Inc., acknowledged that the partnership is unexpected, but he feels this is a great opportunity to give something refreshing to Hello Kitty fans and also attract potential new audiences in motorsport. This could be quite inspirational for young girls and encourage many to pursue careers in F1.
“We hope it encourages a new generation of fans, especially young girls, to embrace who they are and believe that their passions can take them anywhere,” Takiguchi stressed.
Emily Prazer, President and CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. and Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1,sees this collaboration as a big step toward cementing F1’s place in modern pop culture. She believes this has great potential to draw in a new generation of fans to the most exciting product motorsport has to offer.
The F1 Academy finale lands in Las Vegas during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, but you don’t necessarily have to fly there to get the merchandise. They will drop at collection, Vegas Hub at The Venetian, the collection will hit the official F1 Store, Beams US, Zumiez, and the Las Vegas GP shop.
So, fans will also have the chance to buy them online. As a result, overseas fans of both franchises will have the chance to collect this exclusive merchandise if they want to.
Hello Kitty Grandstand Package
You can find the Hello Kitty Grandstands in the East Harmon Zone near Virgin Hotels with clear sightlines of Turns 3–4.
According to Casino.com, a three-day pass will cost $1450. As part of the package, you will get two limited-edition merch pieces you can’t buy anywhere else, VIP paddock entry, and meet-and-greet moments with Hello Kitty herself.
Sure, it’s a splurge, but it’s also one of F1’s most themed fan experiences yet. Ticket holders get race seats, live shows, interactive zones, F1 Academy paddock access, and, of course, Hello Kitty will be popping in all weekend.
Guests at the Hello Kitty Grandstands will also get to experience live entertainment and immersive fan activations throughout the East Harmon and Koval Zones.
That’s not all. Grandstands ticket holders will get access to the Hello Kitty Café and also make customised racing licenses in photo booths. Last but not the least, they will get the chance to participate in autograph sessions with drivers.
Racing Merch
The collectibles include Hello Kitty characters reimagined as drivers and pit crew, limited-edition shirts, sweatshirts, plush toys, hats, and other accessories.
While the 36-piece-collection will go on sale on multiple platforms later on, it will initially drop at the F1 Las Vegas Hub in the Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Opening dates and hours will be announced in the coming weeks.
The full collection will also be available online at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix store, with select items offered through the F1 Store, Beams US, and in Zumiez stores.
What’s F1 Academy?
Motorsports have long been a male-dominated sport, but F1 Academy hopes to change that. It’s an F4 series where only female drivers participate. The competition gives aspiring female drivers a great chance to hone their racing skills and eventually progress to more prestigious and competitive motorsport competitions.
