Blog: Which Ferrari F1 model to choose?

Ferrari F1 race car models from the 2024 season

Although the Italian brand's Formula 1 world championship titles – the individual (2007) and the team championship (2008) – were written into sports history more than a decade ago, Ferrari still boasts the largest fan base. This popularity is likely to even grow with the arrival of Lewis Hamilton. And Ferrari fans love to collect memorabilia of their favorite team, be it T-shirts, caps or model cars. In our article, we will help you navigate in the options available to those who want to buy a 1:43 scale Ferrari model.

The entry level, the mid-range and the super premium category.

Bburago

Bburago has been producing Ferrari Formula 1 cars in 1:43 scale since 2012. After the initial comic attempts, which even with the best intentions could be called child's toy, they have undergone thorough massive development. Basically, they have two main directions. The racing car direction without a driver figure has remained, which is still at the level of children's toys in terms of elaboration, but is offered at a very friendly price (15€ at Tibormodel). In contrast, in 2016 they launched the "Signature" series, which now has a driver figure, but what is more important is that they have made a lot of progress in terms of quality. Obviously, they are still not at the level of Minichamps or Spark, but in terms of price/value ratio (27€) they represent the entry-level among collectors. It is obvious that they still have room for improvement. The poor workmanship of the front suspension and the rough elements spoil the overall picture a lot, but an increase in price would also be essential for improving quality, which is not in the manufacturer's interest. Why? Because Bburago represents the budget-friendly solution. It primarily appeals to collectors who do not want or cannot spend too much on this hobby. Model car collecting is an expensive hobby, but it is good if there are alternatives that are available to everyone. And Bburago is unbeatable in this.

BBurago Signature - edition with driver figure

BBurago - edition without driver figure

Looksmart

Although with its price of 115 € it is quite steep to claim that Looksmart would be the mid-range choice, now we will support this statement. Many were annoyed when Looksmart took over the production of Formula 1 Ferrari model cars from Hot Wheels in 2014. Especially the huge price increase made collectors unhappy, and the fact that their first car, the SF15-T, was far from perfect did not help much either. However, after a while, pretty much everyone got used to the fact that if they wanted a quality Ferrari model car, Looksmart was the best choice. Why? Because compared to Hot Wheels, the jump in quality was striking. While the last models of the US based manufacturer began to lag behind the Spark-Minichamps duo in terms of design – which caused headaches for many collectors, who collected entire starting grids and were struck by the difference in quality – with Looksmart, Ferrari was back where it belongs: in the forefront. Although the model car is the point, Looksmart has also made great progress in packaging. After the robust, less elegant box of Hot Wheels, we can finally hold in our hands such a clean and tasteful packaging that reminds us of the gift box of a multi-million dollar watch.

Another thing worth knowing about Looksmart is that they do not have a separate production line, but have their model cars manufactured by Spark. Sure, we get a Spark car, but then what is the reason for this price difference? Mostly the licensing fees, which we unfortunately have to accept. However, anyone who buys even just one Looksmart car will be enriched with a real gem that can be a jewel in their collection. It is not an insignificant factor that Looksmart models do not lose their value. Since they are produced in relatively small numbers and post-production is not usual, these cars rarely appear back on the market. So it is easy to happen that a piece will later become almost impossible to obtain. So Looksmart is the best choice for quality model car collectors and to those who still mind the price, we say that the best is yet to come.

BBR

BBR is an Italian model car manufacturer that offers handmade, limited series models. After all, it is not surprising that BBR model cars do not exactly represent the affordable price category. If someone finds that the price of Looksmart is too high, they should hold on now. A 1:43 scale BBR Ferrari currently costs 190€. Looksmart doesn't seem so expensive anymore, does it? But why is it so expensive? BBR is considered a luxury brand among model car manufacturers. As we mentioned, they make their models completely by hand, just like real Ferraris! And you have to pay for precise and detailed work. Another important aspect is that BBR models are extremely detailed. Even a Looksmart model car looks elementary compared to a BBR. Furthermore, all racing cars are mounted on a carbon fibre-patterned base and each one comes with premium packaging. Since BBR models are produced in limited editions and are single numbered, so whoever successfully acquires a BBR can join the elite club of model car collectors. The only negative – for some – is that there are no driver figures in these cars, but this does not bother everyone. So if someone wants the highest quality and the Ferrari feel, the BBR will be the perfect choice.

What Ferraris can we expect?

It has recently become a big trend in Formula 1 for teams to compete in certain races with special livery. Of course, Ferrari could not be left out, and in 2024 they rolled onto the track with a different liveries than usual at two grand prix. The good news is that model manufacturers are following these changes, and it is already certain that all three manufacturers have released or will release these specially painted cars. However, it is also worth considering that if quality is an important aspect, Looksmart is more likely to come into consideration. For Bburago models, it is important to note that their models with special livery differ from the basic (seasonal) version only in the livery: Bburago uses the basic model of the car from the given season (usually the specification and shapes from the first races) and repaints it to a new design that appears in the season a few races later. In practice, this means that when the team brings new sideboards, rear wings, etc., in addition to the special livery, Bburago does not reflect these changes in the model. Looksmart and BBR, of course, follow even the smallest changes on the car. In addition to the models with special livery, standard livery models will also be released. Looksmart has already announced a lot of releases, primarily for the grand prix where the Scuderia drivers have won. So the car that took part in the Australian, Monaco, American and Mexican Grand Prix will definitely be included in the range. In addition, we can also expect releases for the Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Australian Grand Prix - where the HP logo hasn´t yet graced the cars. By the way, they also released the car of Oliver Bearman, who replaced Sainz, but it is already sold out at Tibormodel.

One interesting thing in the end: although the 2025 season hasn't even started yet, and we haven't even seen a single car from this year, Bburago has already announced that it will produce Lewis Hamilton's first Ferrari.

In short: the choice is huge, and it's up to you which Ferrari you want to add to your collection.