At the American Express x Carbone Beach event on May 2, 2026, Winnie Harlow arrived in a long leather trench coat, hot pants, lace-up leather boots, and an Hermès bag. Her ensemble, a striking blend of edgy luxury, signaled that Formula 1 weekends are now as much about high fashion as they are about racing. Her bold display of personal style sets a new standard for motorsport events, hinting at car racing aesthetics shaping 2026 fashion trends.

Formula 1, a sport rooted in speed and engineering, increasingly finds its events transformed into a vibrant stage for slow fashion and celebrity-driven style. The roar of engines now mingles with the flash of cameras, capturing meticulously curated outfits over mere lap times.

As F1’s global appeal expands, its fashion influence deepens, blurring lines between sports, entertainment, and luxury. Marie Claire's detailed coverage of celebrity style, like Harlow's leather trench, confirms F1 weekends are now a canvas for personal branding and luxury display. The transformation of F1 weekends into a canvas for personal branding and luxury display makes drivers secondary stars and positions the sport as a key trendsetter for years to come.

The Paddock's New Dress Code

The F1 paddock's dress code has evolved from casual fanwear to meticulously curated fashion. Vogue suggests striped polos, track pants, thong heels, and statement sunglasses, moving attendees beyond simple team merchandise towards deliberate style choices. Vogue further advises blending traditional motorsport elements—moto jackets and racing stripes—with regional influences like tropical or Miami-inspired styles, such as mini skirts and swimwear. The fusion of high-fashion and localized aesthetics establishes F1 as a significant trend driver, forging a distinct fashion language.

The Celebrity Grid: A Measure of Influence

  • VINTAGE LUXURY — Hailey Bieber appeared in a vintage lace Alaïa mini dress and leather heeled thong flip-flops at the American Express Carbone Beach event on May 1, 2026, according to Marie Claire.
  • HIGH-LOW BLEND — Alexandra Leclerc chose a polka-dot halter dress from Pretty Little Thing, paired with Aquazzura slingbacks and an Anne Fontaine handbag, for the Miami Grand Prix paddock on May 2, 2026, as reported by Marie Claire.
  • REGIONAL AESTHETICS — Mckenna Grace showcased a white matching set, featuring a vest crop top and asymmetrical skirt, accessorized with chunky heeled sandals and a light purple handbag, at a Miami Grand Prix qualifying race event, noted by Marie Claire.