1/27/2025 — After a 10-year absence, #Ferrari returns to Hot Wheels. Let that sink in…
Yes, the rumors were true. The Hot Wheels team has been secretly working with Ferrari over the last several months to obtain the Ferrari license and design new vehicles that will be used throughout the 2025 Hot Wheels lineups. No word on if any of the 50+ previous Hot Wheels Ferrari castings will be retooled and return though. We do know that we will see some new ones as new castings/releases are on their way.
What paved the way after 10 years?
Hot Wheels collectors have been clamoring for Hot Wheels Ferraris since the licensed was terminated at the end of 2015. Hot Wheels Ferraris have always been popular with Hot Wheels collectors. From 2007 to 2009, Ferrari even had their own Hot Wheels line with Ferrari Racer. After the license went away, Hot Wheels became even more of a giant in the diecast world thanks to the global branding efforts (ie. Legends Tour, better worldwide distribution, international collector events) and the premium and ultra-premium lines taking on a life of their own. Sure, we had Hot Wheels premium 10 years ago, but we weren’t even in the #Car Culture era yet. In addition to that, the Red Line Club was more about nostalgic releases than the ultra-premium models we see today.
I’m going to speculate here… What most likely got Hot Wheels over the Ferrari “hump” is F1 licensing. Even with the initial sale of the first premium F1 vehicles last Friday, collectors were still stating that absence of Ferrari was a huge blemish on the announcement. It appears the prominence of #Ferrari on the F1 circuit as too big to overlook. I’m not sure how the deal came together — who approached who or if F1 acted as the bridge — but that it all in the past now as we will see our first new Hot Wheels Ferraris since 2015!
What to expect…
The press release from the Hot Wheels team stated, “The full collection will include Ferrari models for all levels of die-cast car fans, ranging from ultra-premium to the Mainline Collection and even RC”. This means we can expect to see new castings in the mainline — THIS YEAR! — as well as Ferraris in premium lines that weren’t around back in 2015 like #Car Culture and #Team Transport, and even sold on Mattel Creations as #Red Line Club or #Elite 64 models — or both! And, of course, the team Ferrari F1 models.
Hot Wheels collectors, start licking your chops… the time has come. The prancing horse is back.
Categories: News
ORANGE TRACK DIECAST 
When I heard the rumors, I had assumed we would see Ferrari F1 cars as part of the F1 license. Never would I have expected a return of Ferrari road cars! This is going to be an exciting year in the world of Hot Wheels!
This is only the tip of the metaphorical iceberg!
This is very good news, indeed! I have collected many of the Ferrari castings even prior to the HW/ Ferrari breakup, and have treasured my models since then. I do hope that all previous castings will be included in whatever contractual terms get worked out.
Given the direction Hot Wheels has gone since 2015, I am almost on the side of letting all the old Ferrari castings stay retired as we see new ones.
Brad, great article and expansion on what was teased on MC HWC.
I do wonder what this means for that inflated secondary market for Ferrari. It seemed the last few years the “value” for releases was high based on that license being gone. I’m guessing there will be a correction once retail lines start seeing a return of Ferrari cars into the series where they belong.
I could be kicking myself (slightly) for skipping OD this year if this was one of Mattel’s best kept secrets ever hiding that they have a Ferrari for the RLC. I’m guessing that’s not the case and this hasn’t been working long enough to develop a casting or redo a tool for the RLC line in 2025. Guess we’ll see. I’m voting for the 250 GTO to come back first.
Off topic but what happened to you? Did the mods give you the boot like many other long timers?
Hey Darren! Glad I could expand and read between the lines for you. I wish I could share what is coming but that will be unveiled in due time. Lots of exciting product (& more) to come!
newer releases being available, may ignite the flames for older releases, to burn hotter. but it could also push the older castings back and allow them to cool off. it has happened for other lines hot wheels .
there are a number of things I would like to see, mainly revolving around the older Farrari models. like a vintage GT serries w/haulers. modern F1 is too cookie cutter for my tastes I like the old school cars from te 60’s and 70’s. but tat again is just me. what ever te case… I will be waiting to see them, just like every one else.
hey brad, special favor… keep us UP dated on any of the rumored F1 track sets that might be showing up. I’m hoping for open lane adult league track lay outs. like whats shown on U-tube.
One of the main reasons I started collecting was for Ferrari under Hot Wheels! I began with a few models and graduated to all sorts of models from different brands (MBX, M2, Greenlight, Johnny Lightning, etc.) as well as all makes (Lamborghini, GM, Ford, Porsche, MB, etc.)!
But the basis of my passion for collecting will always come back to Ferrari!!! Thanks for the expanded news Brad!!👍
You’re welcome, Wheaterz. As long as you’re coming here, I’ll keep it going!
This is so exciting, great article Brad. Can’t wait to start seeing them appear.
Glad you’re just as excited as I am!