Leica Camera announced the “Leica Q3 43 “Formula 1 Edition.” This new camera is a special edition model fusing the worlds of photography and motorsport. The model symbolizes the values of both brands for precision, teamwork, and engineering. The product is available from October 21, 2026 (Wednesday) at Leica stores, the Leica online store, Leica boutiques, and authorized Leica dealers.
Notable features of the Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition include a wireless charger-compatible handgrip with a carbon shell, a soft release button with carbon fiber inlays and red trim, a matching thumb rest, a highly grippy micro-velour cover reminiscent of a racing car steering wheel, and the F1 logo on the top plate and lens cap. In addition, the included rope strap incorporates the texture of carbon fiber and features the logos of both brands. This is said to be Leica’s craftsmanship inspired by the spirit of Formula 1.
Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition Partnership
The Leica Q3 43 “Formula 1 Edition” was unveiled at an exclusive event at the Leica Store and Leica Gallery in Los Angeles. Formula 1 presenter Ariana Bravo and 2009 FIA Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button appeared at the event to introduce the partnership to attendees. In addition, the Leica Gallery Los Angeles is currently exhibiting 26 racing photographs by Italian photographer Carlo Albanese, who specializes in Formula 1 and motorsport.
Partner for the decisive moment
Formula 1 racing is an environment that demands extremely high technical requirements. Performance there is not produced by a single component, but by the meticulous coordination of each component and team member. What all of this has in common is an unwavering commitment to constantly optimizing this coordination throughout the season. Leica cameras are also brought to completion through a similar process. The optics, sensor, design, and mechanism are all harmoniously adjusted until nothing intervenes between the photographer and the subject.
Leica cameras and Formula 1 share the same values: the pursuit of excellence, precision, courage, and perfection. They also share the conviction that results are determined in a single, irreplaceable moment. Whether in the cockpit or in photography, “victory” ultimately rests in the hands of each individual.
Craftsmanship imbued with the spirit of racing
The fibrous pattern used in this special edition model is made from genuine carbon fiber. This material has not been used in Leica cameras before. Meanwhile, in the world of motorsport, carbon fiber is an iconic material due to its combination of lightness and extremely high rigidity. All carbon fiber parts in the Leica Q3 43 “Formula 1 Edition” are manufactured and inspected in Germany.
The consistent appearance extends to the grip, thumb rest, and soft release button, and the uniform finish, in particular, conveys the warmth of handcrafted work. When light hits it, the structure is highlighted, and the depth of the surface changes with every movement. Carbon fiber is used in key areas where you grip and operate the camera.
The connection to motorsport isn’t just in the exterior; it can also be felt through the photography.
The carbon fiber material is combined with black micro-velour, which replicates the texture of a racing car’s steering wheel. The red accents were inspired by this. Racing car steering wheels have color-coded controls so that the driver can quickly find the controls. This idea has been adopted, and the same color accent is used on the soft release button and one of the two function buttons on the thumb rest.
The set is completed with a special carrying strap featuring the F1 logo and a special package adorned with red inlays. The company claims that every detail reflects the same level of precision required on the racetrack.
What is the Leica Q3 43
This special edition model is based on the Leica Q3 43. The Leica Apo-Summicron f2/43 ASPH. lens, with its 43mm focal length, achieves a field of view close to that naturally perceived by the human eye. There is no need to zoom, and you won’t miss the decisive moment even without looking through the viewfinder. Especially in paddocks and around the circuit, the atmosphere of the scene and the sense of distance to the subject greatly influence the final photograph, and this lens can realistically reproduce the situation on the spot. The BSI-CMOS full-frame sensor offers selectable resolutions of 60 million/36 million/18 million pixels thanks to triple resolution technology. High-speed hybrid autofocus and comprehensive video functions further enhance the features of this camera.
Leica Look “Formula 1”
A new Leica Look, “Formula 1,” has been developed specifically for this camera to achieve image expression suitable for motorsport. By increasing contrast and saturation, it faithfully reproduces the atmosphere felt at the circuit and paddock in the captured photographs. This look provided exclusively for this camera through the “Leica FOTOS” app and can be applied instantly during shooting, allowing you to check the effect through the viewfinder without waiting for post-production. It is also possible to transfer captured photos and videos to a mobile device using the app.
The collaboration between Leica and Formula 1 is reflected not only in the materials and design, but also in the aesthetics of the images themselves.
All photos ©Leica Camera AG
