LEWIS HAMILTON has shifted into top gear to follow a childhood passion by launching a massive new trading card empire.

The Ferrari icon has joined forces with industry giants Dave & Adam’s Card World to launch “Card Culture” in a bid to dominate the global collectables market.

Trading cards have exploded into a lucrative asset, with rare items fetching hundreds of thousands — and sometimes millions — of pounds at auction.

Hamilton, 41, first dipped his toe into the industry by signing an exclusive deal with Fanatics Collectables last year.

The seven-time world champ famously cut the ribbon at the Fanatics flagship store on London’s Regent Street as fans flocked to catch a glimpse of their hero.

Now, through Lewis Hamilton Ventures, the Brit will spearhead a global expansion of the Card Culture brand outside of North America.

Hamilton is set to open a brand-new store in Frankfurt, Germany, this June, with Sydney, West London, and the Middle East also in his sights.

The F1 legend said: “I’ve loved collecting cards since I was a kid — Pokemon, football, anything I could get my hands on.

“To now play a role in shaping the future of the category is incredible. We have a significant opportunity to tap into the culture in a way no one has before.”

Owner & CEO of Dave & Adam’s, Adam Martin, said: “Working with Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time is an unbelievable opportunity.

“His passion for collecting is real, his vision is huge and together we’re going to set a new standard for card culture globally.

“We’re excited to welcome card enthusiasts to our first retail locations this summer.”

Hamilton’s former F1 team, McLaren, are also getting involved after announcing Fanatics will launch the first official McLaren trading card collection, featuring the manufacturer’s F1, IndyCar and sim racing teams.

The collection includes the first-ever “relic” F1 autograph cards and also includes real components from Lando Norris‘ 2020 and 2021 race cars.

Highlights in the multi-year partnership also include autograph cards of legendary McLaren drivers, including Kimi Raikkonen and Mika Hakkinen, plus Emerson Fittipaldi and Alain Prost.