Things To Do in London

The Formula 1 Exhibition at ExCeL London has extended its run until March 2025, and having recently visited, I can confirm it’s an experience worth your time. The exhibition offers a comprehensive journey through the sport’s history, featuring an impressive collection of championship-winning cars and rare memorabilia.

A Journey Through Time

The space is thoughtfully divided into six distinct areas, each offering unique insights into different aspects of Formula 1. The exhibition opens with ‘Once Upon A Time In Formula 1’, setting the historical context of the sport’s evolution. Here, you’ll find Sir Lewis Hamilton’s 2018 Championship-winning Mercedes AMG F1 W09, a remarkable piece of engineering that dominates the entrance hall.

Perhaps the most compelling exhibit is Ayrton Senna’s 1988 McLaren MP4/4, a car that defined an era of Formula 1. The McLaren-Honda partnership produced what many consider the most dominant car in F1 history, and seeing it up close provides a tangible connection to that remarkable season.

Technology and Innovation

The Design Lab section offers fascinating insights into Formula 1’s technical evolution. Current Red Bull Racing components sit alongside historical pieces, illustrating the sport’s technological progression. The Honda power unit display particularly stands out, showcasing the intricate engineering that powers modern F1 cars.

A Sobering Reminder

A poignant addition to the exhibition is the Survival room, which includes a photograph of Romain Grosjean’s dramatic crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. This display effectively demonstrates the crucial developments in Formula 1 safety standards over the decades. The image of Grosjean’s Haas split in two, whilst sobering, serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of modern safety measures.

Interactive Experiences

The exhibition excels in visitor engagement through its interactive elements. The F1 simulators offer an opportunity to experience a virtual lap of Silverstone, providing insight into the challenges drivers face. These simulators use current track data and professional software, offering a genuinely informative experience rather than mere entertainment.

The Pit Wall experience deserves special mention, replicating the strategic centre of a Formula 1 team. It demonstrates the complex decision-making process during races, from tyre management to fuel strategies, offering visitors a glimpse into the tactical side of the sport.

British Motorsport Heritage

The collaboration with Silverstone Museum adds significant value, particularly in highlighting Britain’s role in Formula 1’s development. The exhibition effectively showcases the UK’s contribution to motorsport innovation, featuring numerous British-built cars from manufacturers like McLaren and Williams

Technical Displays

The ‘Revolution by Design’ section presents a detailed examination of aerodynamic development in Formula 1. It’s particularly interesting to see the evolution of design philosophy from different eras, with examples from teams like Red Bull Racing and McLaren showing how aerodynamic concepts have progressed over time.

Practical Information

The exhibition runs daily, with extended hours Monday through Saturday (9:00-18:00) and slightly shorter Sunday hours (9:00-16:00). While the extension to March 2025 provides ample opportunity to visit, booking in advance is advisable, especially for weekend slots.

Notable Highlights

Several elements make this exhibition particularly worthwhile:

• The chronological arrangement provides a clear context for Formula 1’s evolution
• The mix of historic and contemporary cars offers a perspective on technological advancement
• Interactive elements are genuinely informative rather than merely decorative
• The technical displays effectively explain complex engineering concepts
• The focus on safety development adds crucial context to modern Formula 1.

Looking to the Future

A particularly interesting aspect is how the exhibition bridges Formula 1’s past and future. The Honda power unit display, alongside Red Bull Racing’s current technology, shows how the sport continues to push engineering boundaries while maintaining its historical significance.

Final Thoughts

The Formula 1 Exhibition at ExCeL London successfully balances technical detail with broader historical context. It manages to satisfy both casual fans and dedicated enthusiasts, providing sufficient depth without becoming overwhelming. The exhibition’s greatest strength lies in its ability to demonstrate Formula 1’s continuous evolution while honouring its heritage.

The extension until March 2025 offers an excellent opportunity for both London residents and visitors to experience this comprehensive celebration of Formula 1. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, the exhibition provides valuable insights into what makes Formula 1 a unique blend of technology, competition, and human endeavour.

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Which was the last Formula 1 exhibition you had been to? Let me know in the comments below.