This special edition camera combines photography and motor racing, perfectly embodying their shared values: precision, teamwork and craftsmanship. All for that decisive moment.

Two long-established brands, Leica Camera and Formula 1®, have announced their collaboration as part of a licensing partnership and are presenting the special edition Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® camera. Both brands have a long tradition of innovation. Driven by this spirit, they have created a camera that enables exceptionally authentic photography and translates the fascination sparked by motorsport into a handcrafted design. This is achieved through features including a wireless charging handgrip with a carbon fibre shell, a soft-release button with a carbon inlay and red rim, and a matching thumb rest. Its details also include a non-slip Microvelour covering modelled on a racing steering wheel, an F1 logo on the top plate and lens cap, and a rope strap included in the set that is in keeping with the carbon fibre components and bears both brands’ logos. This is craftsmanship from Leica, inspired by the world of Formula 1. The Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® was officially unveiled at an exclusive event held at the Leica Store and Leica Gallery in Los Angeles. The collaboration was presented to guests by Formula 1 presenter Ariana Bravo and 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion Jenson Button. A series of 26 motorsport photographs by Callo Albanese were also on display at the event. The Italian photographer specialises in Formula 1 and motorsport photography.

A Partner When It Matters Most: The Decisive Moment

Formula 1 races take place in an environment exerting the highest technical demands. Performance does not stem from a single element, but from the precise interplay of components and team members. All of these factors are united by a commitment to keep fine-tuning this interplay throughout an entire season. A Leica camera is created with a similar approach: the optics, sensor, design and mechanics are fine-tuned until there is nothing that stands between the photographer and their subject.

Leica Camera and Formula 1 share the same values: excellence, precision, courage and the pursuit of perfection. They are also united in the certainty that success is decided in fractions of a second and in moments that cannot be repeated. Whether it’s in the cockpit or behind the camera, the responsibility for success lies with one person. 

Craftsmanship with a Racing Spirit
The visible fibre structure on this camera edition is made from genuine carbon. This material is not traditionally used in Leica cameras. In motor racing, however, carbon is the defining material because it combines low weight with extreme rigidity. The carbon fibre parts for the Leica Q3 43 Formula 1® Edition have been manufactured and tested exclusively in Germany.

This creates a cohesive look from the handgrip to the thumb rest and soft-release button, and the exceptionally even finish makes the craftsmanship palpable. Light falling on the surface emphasises the texture, giving it shifting visual depth with every movement. Carbon fibre is positioned at the key points where the camera is held and operated. The connection to motorsport is therefore not just visual, but can be felt with every shot. 

The carbon fibre is complemented by a black Microvelour covering whose texture is modelled on racing steering wheels. That’s also where the idea for the red accents came from: the control elements on the steering wheel are colour-coded to help the driver find them quickly. The soft-release button and one of the two function buttons on the thumb rest feature the same colour scheme. The set is completed by a special carrying strap featuring F1 branding and custom-designed packaging with red inlay. Every detail reflects the same level of precision demanded on the track.