Find out more about the world’s fastest sport at the Formula 1 Exhibition, which has just arrived in London.
Following a hugely successful run in Madrid and Vienna, the Formula 1 Exhibition has whizzed over to London’s ExCel. Packed with rare memorabilia and archive footage charting F1’s history – including the actual cars driven by famous names – this is a thrilling look at every aspect of the sport. A great day out for all ages, here’s what to expect when you visit.
What is The Formula 1 Exhibition?
Ever wondered how the fastest cars in the world are made? How their drivers train for a race? Or how the sport of motor racing first began? This Formula 1 Exhibition has all the answers. After touring Europe, this fantastic immersive installation has just arrived at London’s ExCel.
The massive, state-of-the-art display is spread out over six purpose-built rooms, each designed in partnership with award-winning artists, filmmakers and craftsmen. Throughout them, explore the many different elements of this thrilling sport. Discover a huge variety of rare artefacts and precious memorabilia that has never been on display before, and trace the evolution of the cars from early prototypes to the highly advanced machines that grace the track today.
Journey through F1’s 74-year history and most iconic moments in the ‘Once Upon a Time’ gallery, which introduces and remembers some of the sport’s most important characters such as Jackie Stewart, David Coulthard and Michael Schumacher. ‘The Design Lab’ is all about discovering what goes into designing a Formula 1 car; this factory-themed room showcases how new elements are designed each season, and features car parts and components with contributions from the likes of Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari. Finish up in the ‘Pit Wall’ room for the exhibition’s finale: a multi-screen, six minute experience that immerses viewers in the exciting, glamorous – not to mention nerve wracking – realm of one of the world’s most popular, innovative and death-defying sports.
Each room offers detailed explanations, and you’ll leave feeling you truly understand the sport of F1 and what it takes to win a Grand Prix.
The Highlights
Some will find the extensive history the most fascinating part of this expansive display while others will enjoy the technical info – but everyone will love seeing the historic cars up close and personal. And there are plenty of them on display. Including Max Verstappen’s 2021 title-winning RB16, Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes AMG F1 W09, and Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/4, these are some of the fastest cars ever made – and a rare opportunity to see them under one roof, alongside the kit required to drive them, such as protective gear and helmets.
Those aged 12 and over will get the chance to experience the exhibition’s star attraction: ‘The Fastest Lap Simulator.’ Feel what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of an F1 car with an official Playseat® F1 racing seat in this state-of-the-art simulator that uses official F1 gaming equipment to give a true-to-life experience.
Whizz around Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix, in this unique experience that lasts around eight minutes. While it might feel fast, it’s all very safe and controls are well explained. This is an add-on that can be purchased when you book your tickets. If you choose to do so, you’ll also be entered into a draw to win a Silverstone Grand Prix 2025 ticket! Winners will be announced on the exhibition’s social media channels.
Who is it for?
While F1 fans and those familiar with the sport will get the most out of this exhibition, it’s also a great day out for children as it’s packed with fascinating images and clever interactive displays. Touch screens, cleverly edited video footage, and interviews with some of the sport’s biggest names, including Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, will keep kids engaged as they move through each room. You can even step into an exciting modern-day race with immersive video technology that takes you behind the scenes. While older children and teens will enjoy reading the many displays, there are more than enough images and objects to appeal to younger ones too. It’s not recommended for those under age five but they are welcome to come along (free of charge).
Need to know
The exhibition is approximately a 90-minute experience, but you’re welcome to stay and browse for as long as you like. When you book you’ll be given an allocated time slot – we recommend arriving on time as there’s no guaranteed entry if you’re late. Though no food or drink can be brought in to the exhibition, there’s a selection of cafes right outside it, in the ExCel space. You can’t take buggies or prams inside, but there are lockers available to rent, as well as a buggy park. There’s also a shop at the end of the exhibition where you can buy mementos from your day.
Where is it?
ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1FR.
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