Review: Max Verstappen 2022 helmet 1:2 scale replica

Barring a DNF in both Saturday’s sprint and Sunday’s main race in Qatar, it’s almost 100% guaranteed that Max Verstappen will be crowned triple world champion this weekend.

Earlier this year, I picked up a 1:2 scale replica of Max’s 2022 season helmet online from Max’s own merch store – Verstappen.com. Unboxing it after it arrived by FedEx courier, I was pleasantly surprised…

Max raced with a few different helmet designs in 2022, this one with the white base and gold trim was his mainstay for most of his 2022 season campaign until after the Japanese GP.

Nicely presented box and signature card

Box contents

After he wrapped up the 2022 title at Suzuka last year, he then raced with a different full gold base helmet with the 2 gold stars to mark his 2nd world title.

The helmet comes in a Max themed outer cardboard box with his distinctive Lion logo.

Inside the box, the helmet is in a protective wrapper and also included are a black mini helmet bag with Max’s logo, a chin spoiler and spare tear of visors.

Helmet side profile (note the rear aero spoiler)

Max wears Schuberth helmets that have an elongated narrow chin profile compared to the more round Arai or Bell helmets.

Compared to his 2021 helmet, the 2022 helmet graphics are basically an evolution with the line artwork and sponsor logos all retained but the previous orange changed to gold (including the lion on the top).

The rear of the helmet has the one gold star for his 2021 title (in similar fashion to Lewis’ 7 stars on the sides of his helmet).

The reflective visor is faithfully recreated and 3 additional tearoff strips are also provided.

I have to confess the online shopping and international delivery experience with this helmet was actually very good – you can see the small additional extra touches as a buyer compared to purchasing other model memorabilia. Not surprised this is also reflected in Max’s on track attitude to racing.

Like Lewis before, I can see Max accumulating several more world titles so collecting championship helmets is going to require more shelf space!

Back of the helmet

Internal white cushioning and chin strap

Working visor

Max’s 2022 lid side by side with Lewis’ 2008 helmet (both 1:2 scale)

Can you believe this is actually the back of the tax invoice? Nice touch Max!