F1 driver caps differ mainly by manufacturer and fit: in the 2026 season Puma makes them for Ferrari and McLaren, adidas for Mercedes, and New Era for Red Bull Racing and Williams. With New Era, the silhouette name matters – the 9FORTY has a lower crown and curved visor, the 9FIFTY a high crown and flat visor. Most team caps are adjustable, so you only need an exact size for fitted models.
Who makes F1 team caps in 2026
The manufacturer determines the fit, materials and how the cap sits. For the 2026 season:
| Team | 2026 cap maker | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Scuderia Ferrari | Puma | Long-standing partner, deal renewed in 2023 |
| McLaren | Puma | From 2026; previously Castore (clothing) and New Era (older cap ranges) |
| Mercedes-AMG Petronas | adidas | Second season of the partnership (since 2025) |
| Oracle Red Bull Racing | New Era | Clothing by Castore, caps and beanies by New Era |
| Williams | New Era | New Era supplies the full teamwear from 2026 |
| Cadillac | Tommy Hilfiger | New team in 2026 |
In practice, silhouette names like 9FORTY or 9FIFTY only appear on New Era caps. Puma and adidas don't use them and describe the shape in words (e.g. "pre-curved visor", "adjustable closure").
New Era silhouettes: 9FORTY, 9FIFTY and more
New Era labels its silhouettes with numbers. The following is based on New Era's official fit guide:
| Silhouette | Crown | Visor | Closure | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9FORTY | low profile, lightly structured | pre-curved | adjustable at the back | one size |
| 9FIFTY | high, fully structured | flat | snapback (plastic snaps) | one size |
| 9SEVENTY | structured front, mesh back | semi-curved | stretch-snap | one size |
| 39THIRTY | mid profile, structured | curved | no closure, stretch sweatband | S/M, M/L, L/XL |
| 59FIFTY | high, fully structured | flat | fitted, no adjustment | exact sizes |
| 9TWENTY | low profile, unstructured (soft) | curved | metal buckle | one size |
9FORTY vs 9FIFTY: which to choose
- 9FORTY is the classic everyday baseball cap. The lower crown sits closer to the head and the curved visor gives better shade. It suits most people and is the safest choice as a gift.
- 9FIFTY has a taller, firm crown and a flat visor – a bolder streetwear look. It looks bigger on the head, so it suits people with larger heads or those who already wear this style.
For 2026, Williams lists curved 9FORTY caps, 9FIFTY snapbacks, trucker caps, bucket hats, knit beanies and the fitted 59FIFTY in its New Era collection (according to Williams).
Mesh (trucker) caps
Caps with a mesh back are more breathable and suit hot weather, race days and summer. With New Era they are often the 9SEVENTY or trucker silhouette; with Puma and adidas they are "trucker" or "mesh" models. In our range you'll recognise them by the word "mesh" in the name.
Puma and adidas caps
Ferrari and McLaren (Puma) and Mercedes (adidas) caps are adjustable at the back. For its standard Scuderia Ferrari cap, Puma lists a five-panel construction, a pre-curved visor and an adjustable closure (see Puma). adidas uses either a strap with a metal buckle or snaps on Mercedes caps, depending on the model. With both brands you usually only need to choose between adult and kids' sizes.
Team, driver, fan and special editions
- Team edition – a copy of the cap worn by the team and drivers in the current season, with sponsor logos.
- Driver edition – a team cap with a specific driver's number, signature or logo. In 2026 Lando Norris carries number 1 and Max Verstappen number 3 (according to Formula1.com).
- Fan and lifestyle edition – simpler design, often just the team logo, for everyday wear.
- Special edition (SE) – limited runs for individual Grands Prix (e.g. Monza, Las Vegas, Austin) in different colourways.
Browse by driver in F1 drivers, or by team in Ferrari caps and beanies, McLaren caps and beanies, Red Bull caps and beanies, Williams caps and beanies and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.
Caps by driver: the 2026 season at a glance
Driver caps carry the driver's number, signature or personal logo. When buying a gift, check which team the driver races for in the current season – moves between seasons are a common mistake. The most popular drivers (line-ups according to Formula1.com):
| Driver | 2026 team | Number | Cap maker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lando Norris | McLaren | 1 | Puma |
| Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 81 | Puma |
| Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 16 | Puma |
| Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 44 | Puma |
| Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 3 | New Era |
| Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | 6 | New Era |
| George Russell | Mercedes | 63 | adidas |
| Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 12 | adidas |
| Carlos Sainz | Williams | 55 | New Era |
| Alex Albon | Williams | 23 | New Era |
| Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 77 | Tommy Hilfiger |
| Sergio Pérez | Cadillac | 11 | Tommy Hilfiger |
Caps with older numbers or in a previous team's colours are not a mistake – they are merchandise from earlier seasons that collectors often seek out. It just helps to know what you are buying: for example, a Max Verstappen cap with number 1 comes from the 2022–2025 seasons, one with number 3 from 2026.
How to choose the size
- Adjustable caps (9FORTY, 9FIFTY, 9SEVENTY, 9TWENTY, Puma, adidas) come in one adult size. You only need to decide between the adult and kids' version.
- Kids' caps have a smaller circumference. Adults with smaller heads may sometimes find them a better fit than the adult version – check the measurement on the product page.
- Stretch 39THIRTY caps are chosen by range: S/M, M/L or L/XL.
- Fitted 59FIFTY caps need an exact size. Measure your head circumference with a tape measure just above the eyebrows and ears. New Era recommends choosing the larger size if you fall between two.
Caring for your cap
Always follow the label inside the cap. As a general rule, structured caps don't belong in the washing machine – washing can deform the crown and visor. Spot-clean by hand with a damp cloth and dry away from heat, ideally on a rounded object to keep the shape.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the New Era 9FORTY and 9FIFTY?
The 9FORTY has a low, lightly structured crown and a pre-curved visor. The 9FIFTY has a high, fully structured crown, a flat visor and a snapback closure. Both are adjustable.
Do I need to worry about size with an F1 cap?
Usually not. Puma, adidas and most New Era team caps are adjustable in one adult size. You only need an exact size for fitted 59FIFTY and stretch 39THIRTY caps.
Who makes Ferrari and McLaren caps in 2026?
Both teams are supplied by Puma. McLaren switched to Puma for the 2026 season, while Ferrari has a long-standing partnership with Puma.
Can an adult wear a kids' cap?
Sometimes – kids' caps have a smaller circumference and may fit adults with smaller heads better. Compare the product measurement with your head circumference before buying.
Can I machine-wash my cap?
It isn't recommended for structured caps, as washing can deform the crown and visor. Spot-clean by hand with a damp cloth and always follow the care label inside the cap.