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Formula 1

The Global Exhibition

  • Art Direction
  • Brand Identity
  • CGI / Animation
  • Digital Design
  • Environment
  • Exhibition Design
  • Type Design

The Formula 1 Exhibition is a global show which presents an interactive and immersive journey through the world of Formula 1. Currently in its third year, the exhibition has travelled across five international cities, attracting thousands of visitors to critical acclaim.

HS created the visual identity system and global campaign for this exciting exhibition. Modular in its construct – the core identity is comprised of a number of interchangeable elements. This flexibility allows the lockup to adapt to the requirements of any host city or venue – where hierarchy and naming can be re-configured to reflect localised nuance.

With such a vast and complex narrative to tell, the information architecture was key – the typographic language defined the framework for our entire approach. Establishing a clear visual hierarchy allows visitors to engage with the information at varying levels. Combining top tier, bite-sized information with supporting content for those wanting to dive deeper into specific subject matter.

A unique family of bespoke headline typefaces form a central part of the typographic system, comprising three different cuts – Torque 100, Torque 50 and Torque Inline, all designed by Hingston. Each cut was designed to perform a specific function within the show, adapting to the different themes and scales of information. Some rooms, for instance, required Torque to take on unique visual treatments that reflected the specific theme of that space, all while maintaining the integrity of the core typeface. The condensed letterforms make subtle reference to the sport’s history; the golden era of the 60’s and 70’s – whilst evoking strength and modernity. Torque’s geometric details, particularly its circular corners, echo the iconic F1 mark, creating a seamless connection between the sport’s legacy and its current branding.

Meticulous identity guidelines detail how the brand and typographic system can flex across wayfinding, print, digital and environmental touchpoints.

The supporting campaign features our unique interpretation of the F1 car. Created entirely in CG by our 3D and motion team, this dynamic formation of light and data creates a fluid expression of speed, technology and innovation.

Credits

Design and Creative Direction: Hingston Studio
3D/CG Motion Design: Markus Lehtonen at Hingston Studio
Typeface Design: Hingston Studio
Font coding and Engineering: F37 Foundry

Black background with bold white dates and names arranged in rows, separated by arrow and X motifs: 1975, 1977, Hunt, Lauda, 1984, 1993, Prost, Senna, 1998, 2001, Schumacher, Hakkinen, 2013, 2016.
Black background with rows of thin white arrow-like line motifs and geometric symbols arranged in a clean grid.
White condensed typography on a black background lists year-to-year driver pairings, including Schumacher, Häkkinen, Hamilton, Rosberg and Verstappen, separated by arrow symbols.
Framed underground-style display showing a Formula 1 exhibition poster with a blurred racing car, bold black and orange typography, and “London Excel” details.
Three repeated Formula 1: The Exhibition London posters with bold black typography and a neon-hued car front centred on each panel.
Dark exhibition billboard for Formula 1 Madrid with large white title, red F1 logo, neon racing car outline and event details in red text.
Black graphic composition with bright red diagonal bars and a blurred runner beside bold white names separated by red V’s.
Red Bull Formula 1 car displayed in a dim exhibition space, with motion-blurred visitors and wall graphics showing timelines, arrows and technical text.
Large typographic wall graphic reading “DESIGN LAB” and “A JOURNEY INTO THE MODERN F1 CAR” on a textured grey background with thin geometric symbols and explanatory text.

Establishing a clear visual hierarchy allows visitors to engage with the information at varying levels. Combining top tier, bite-sized information with supporting content for those wanting to dive deeper into specific subject matter.

Text-heavy graphic with a textured grey background, a faint Formula 1 car outline and bold typography reading POWER UNIT and ROAD CARS CONVERT 25% OF THE ENERGY IN FUEL INTO POWER.
Bold yellow-and-black typographic panels about Verstappen versus Hamilton, with a race photo, a results table and the quote “I JUST FELT IT, AS SOON AS I WAS GOING NEXT TO HIM”.
Large red exhibition wall graphic with bold white typography reading “ONCE UPON A TIME IN FORMULA 1” and diagonal arrow motifs, partly obscured by a silhouetted passer-by.
Dim exhibition display with several Formula 1 cars and tall monochrome driver portraits, including visible names such as Frank Williams, Colin Chapman and Enzo Ferrari.
Abstract black composition with glowing red diagonal bars framing a blurred central form, creating a stark neon graphic pattern.