torched formula 1 car and other motorsport artifacts show at F1 exhibition in london

a new perspective on formula 1

The Formula 1 Exhibition, the largest of its kind, has made its debut at ExCeL London, allowing visitors to explore motorsport history and the world of Formula 1. With contributions from past and present F1 drivers, the exhibition showcases a collection of historical artifacts and narratives that highlight the sport’s evolution.

Central to the exhibition’s development is a collaboration with Hingston Studio, a London-based design firm, which worked alongside Formula 1, Round Room Studios and Real Studios to bring this ambitious project to life. This partnership has culminated in an exhibition that promises to be both visually striking and informative. Hingston Studio’s involvement ensured a fresh visual identity, integrating contributions from prominent F1 figures and displaying iconic pieces such as Lewis Hamilton’s original go-kart and Romain Grosjean’s HAAS car from his 2020 crash in Bahrain.

Following showings in Madrid, Vienna, and Toronto, the exhibition made its UK debut on August 23rd, 2024, at ExCeL London. This iteration is expected to be the largest and most immersive version to date. 

an exhibition comprising six rooms

Formula 1: The Exhibition spans six purpose-built rooms of ExCeL London, each offering a distinct narrative and perspective. Visitors begin their journey, co-curated by the designers at Hingston Studio, Round Room Studios and Real Studios, in Once Upon A Time in Formula 1, a gallery that takes them through the sport’s most defining moments. Next, Design Lab provides an in-depth exploration of the technology behind F1 cars, replicating the environment of a Formula 1 factory.

Drivers and Duels is a section dedicated to the sport’s legendary drivers and their unforgettable races. It features contributions from current and former drivers, including a unique film collaboration with Pierre Gasly and his family. Highlights also include the display of Lewis Hamilton’s original go-kart, symbolizing his early days in the sport. The Revolution By Design room focuses on the technological innovations that have shaped the sport, showcasing contributions from teams like McLaren Racing, Scuderia Ferrari, and Mercedes.

In Survival, the exhibition emphasizes the advancements in safety technology, highlighted by the remains of Romain Grosjean’s burnt-out HAAS car from his 2020 Bahrain crash. This section serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety in the sport and how it has evolved to protect drivers. The exhibition concludes with The Pit Wall, a cinematic experience that immerses visitors in Formula 1’s greatest moments. This final room offers a high-impact audio-visual journey, encapsulating the excitement and drama of the sport.

Visual identity designed by Hingston Studio

The design of Formula 1: The Exhibition, led by Hingston Studio, prioritizes a fluid and engaging visitor experience. The visual identity and information architecture were developed in collaboration with Formula 1, Lead Curator Tim Harvey, and Round Room Live. The design features a flexible identity system capable of accommodating Formula 1’s complex and extensive narrative, with a strong emphasis on typographic language.

A key element of the exhibition’s design is a custom family of headline typefaces created by Hingston Studio. These typefaces — Torque 100, Torque 50, and Torque Inline — are crafted to subtly reference Formula 1’s history, particularly the iconic eras of the 1960s and 1970s, while also reflecting contemporary strength and modernity. The circular geometry of the typeface details aligns with the iconic F1 mark, creating a cohesive link between the exhibition’s identity and the sport itself.

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project info:

exhibition title: Formula 1: The Exhibition

subject: Formula 1 | @f1

exhibition design: Hingston Studio, Round Room Studios, Real Studios

location: ExCeL London | @excellondon

opening: August 23rd, 2024

photography: © Formula 1®