Buzz Break: 2021 Topps Formula 1 racing cards (hobby box)

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The box: 2021 Topps Formula 1 racing cards (hobby box)
First Buzz preview & checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of highlights here.

Packs per box: 18
Cards per pack: 8
Cards in this box: 144
Base set completion: 
77 of 175 (44 percent)
Duplicates: 29
Triplicates: 1
Quadruplicates: 1

Rookie Cards (9) – Mick Schumacher (2), Yuki Tsunoda (2), Yuki Tsunoda F1F (2), Yuki Tsunoda car, Mick Schumacher car, Nikita Mazepin

Insert cards: 35 (all in gallery below with some base)
Apex Predators (3) – Pierre Gasley, George Russell, Sergio Perez
Debrief (4) – Sergio Perez, Christian Horner, Daniel Ricciardo, Andreas Seidl, Nicholas Latifi, Jost Capito, Sebastian Vettel, Otmar Szafnauer
Flags of Foundation (2) – David Beckmann, Nicholas Latifi
Topps 1961 Sports Cars (4) – Mick Schumacher, Charles Leclerc, Nicholas Latifi, Sergio Perez
Topps 1961 Sports Cars Gold (1) – Lirim Zendeli (/50)
Image variations (1) – Kimi Raikkonen
Checkered parallel (18) – Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Nikita Mazepin, Yuki Tsunoda, Carlos Sainz, Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc, Valterri Bottas, Guilherme Samaia, Gianluca Petecof, Andreas Seidl, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Guanyu Zhou, Fernando Alonso, Marino Sato
Aqua parallel (1) – Marino Sato (/199)
Blue parallel (1) – Lando Norris (/99)

Autographs/Memorabilia: None

What's Buzz-worthy: The hit that was Formula 1 on Topps Chrome gets a standard-stock, flagship counterpart that was delayed but still packs a lot of star power -- especially if you run up on some dupes like this box did with plenty of Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton ... even on parallels. I landed a photo variation here that is one in 165 packs, while the box was hitless with those dropping every five boxes at one in 75. Honestly, I'd rather have a Relic. This box had three serial-numbered cards with the parallel of an insert the rarest card, while the insert presence was meaty and solid for a small box. Printing plates are the only other chase here beyond Relics and parallels as pulled in this one so it's a simple release that has a lot of potential for its price, which isn't Chromed out but is on the rise as there is international interest here. If you're an avid or beginner Formula 1 fanatic, then this is an easy one to grab. For me, somebody perhaps more stock-car inclined, this might be a selective singles release depending on whether boxes rise or dip as they are ripped. The biggest potential I think still resides with the Chrome stuff or higher-end releases but they are pricey -- one shouldn't overlook the collector-interest here ... it could have long-term appeal as people try to collect it all or want a less-expensive alternative.

Product Grade: B+
Box Grade: A (an SP photo variation is twice as tough as a Relic)
Fun Grade: B (lots to dupes and lots of stars but I feel like it needed more)

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