Formula 1 and Leica launch $9,950 limited-edition carbon-fibre camera with F1 styling

Formula 1 has teamed up with luxury camera manufacturer Leica to release a limited-edition Q3 43 priced at $9,950, unveiled at Leica’s Los Angeles store and gallery with presenter Ariana Bravo and 2009 world champion Jenson Button.

The camera is a variant of Leica’s existing Q3 43 line, pairing a 60-megapixel full-frame imaging sensor with a permanently mounted 43mm APO-Summicron f/2 optic. Leica describes the combination as enabling “exceptionally authentic photography”.

The motorsport-inspired design touches are deliberate and extensive. The grip uses a non-slip Microvelour texture modelled on a racing steering wheel, Formula 1 branding appears on both the upper housing and the lens cover, and the included fabric strap carries the logos of both organisations. Carbon fibre — a material Leica does not traditionally use — features throughout, with the carbon components manufactured and tested in Germany. The package also includes a carbon-shell grip with wireless charging, a soft-release button with carbon detailing, and a thumb support.

On the software side, a dedicated Formula 1 image profile offers higher contrast and richer colour saturation, designed to reflect the atmosphere of the paddock and the liveries of all 11 competing teams. The profile operates through the Leica FOTOS app, which also enables quick edits and wireless transfers to a smartphone.

The camera is available now through Leica retail locations, its e-commerce platform, and authorised dealers. Leica has indicated that further limited and special editions will follow this initial release.

Several Formula 1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, have previously been photographed using Leica cameras at races, lending the partnership a degree of organic credibility within the paddock.