In a darkened exhibition hall, pieces of Formula 1 history were laid out. From the early days when the calendar was much shorter, teams came and went week to week and safety features were non-existent. To current day, with its triple headers, predictable cast of characters and when a driver can walk out of an engulfing fire. This series is filled with stories. There are countless people that have helped build the sport, and decades of change.
While the main feature highlighted from F1 Exhibtion tends to be the cars and other physical pieces, praise should also be given to the multi-media components. These short-documentaries and interviews were where the story of F1 and its different eras came to life. They allowed for details and context to be added. Far more than you would get from a traditional placard. They also captured the emotions that came with many of the stories that were being told.
Each room had a clear narrative. The early days with cars that seem almost toy like now. One for engineering and design where you can stare so closely at a car's diffuser it feels almost invasive. Drivers and duels that captures not ony rivalries but the sacrifices and journeys that drivers have weathered for their dreams. The room of fallen heros, not only for drivers but also marshals and others. Survival where a piece of the split and burned Haas was on display. And finally the pitwall, an immersive video that captured the ambition and innovation of the sport.
The exhibition is a well curated collection of stories, artifacts and interactive pieces. It's breadth of topics is sure to engage all levels of F1 fans. While the estimated time to go through the all rooms is 1.5hrs, a longer time could certainly be spent here.
Two versions of F1 Exhibition are currently on the calendar. Each locations boast a different version of the exhibit, depending on the availability of artifacts.
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