Written by Lily Howard, Edited by Tarun Suresh
The Formula 1 Exhibition at ExCeL London is a ‘must-visit’ for motorsport enthusiasts and even those who are just casual fans. Running until 2nd March 2025 in the Capital, this immersive experience offers an engaging tour of the rich history, technological advancement, and cultural impact of Formula 1 racing.
Being thoughtfully organised into six principal rooms, each is designed to provide unique insights into the world of F1. Some sections also reflect close-to-home British achievements and aspects, highlighting contributions from partners such as Silverstone Museum and British teams/drivers.
Stepping foot into the centre, you are met by the opportunity to have your picture taken, before heading into the gallery which takes visitors down the path of iconic moments, memorable race cars, and rare artefacts, as well as interviews which can be heard through the headphone and remote set given as you walk in.
Next is the design lab. Here, we get a glimpse at what life is like in the factory through interactive displays and a range of different car parts including Pirelli tyres and contributions from a range of teams.
Although it is only a surface-level explanation of the sport’s engineering and may not achieve the level of detail enthusiasts crave, it does make the complex world of F1 design accessible and understandable for all visitors.
The room designated to Drivers and Duels stands out, displaying nearly 100 helmets, alongside interactive games, memorabilia, and a Hall of Fame. With F1 being a sport that prides itself in innovation, the Revolution by Design room is a clear reflection of the sport, giving an overview of not just new technologies but also the growth of female participation in the sport.
The next contribution to the exhibition is centred around an event that all motorsports fans will have engraved in their minds. It is undeniably the most spine-chilling yet impactful display within the experience: Romain Grosjean’s 2020 Bahrain crash.
Watching the video footage before seeing the wreckage up close is a sobering reminder of the dangers these drivers face - moments like this that make the exhibition truly unforgettable.
From this, a discussion on the topic of driver and track safety became a large talking point throughout the sport, leading to necessary improvements.
Lastly, you are taken into The Pit Wall, which is a five-minute representation of light and sound that looks back into the history of the sport. While visually striking, it feels more like a flashy farewell than a meaningful ending to such a rich and immersive exhibition.
After the emotional weight of the prior rooms, this finale, though engaging, could be considered to lack the depth and impact some may expect. For a sport built on passion, drama, and innovation, a more powerful or interactive conclusion might have left a longer-lasting impression.
Additionally, guests can drive a virtual lap of the Silverstone circuit on state-of-the-art F1 simulators, where participants are entered into a monthly raffle for a chance to win tickets to the 2025 British Grand Prix.
This, however, does need to be booked alongside the entrance ticket. The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes, but it is easy to become caught up in the history and take about two hours if needed.
Whether you are a loyal fan or just opening your eyes to the world of Formula 1, the exhibition gives a great opportunity to view the past, present, and future of the sport. Overall, The Formula 1 Exhibition is a dream come true for die-hard fans and may leave casual visitors wanting more - with its next stop being in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
More information can be found on https://f1exhibition.com/london/.
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