The world’s first Formula 1 Exhibition officially opened on Thursday at the IFEMA MADRID in the Spanish capital, with F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali having been on hand to cut the ribbon and open the exhibit to guests.
The exhibit is certainly a must visit for any F1 fan, with the chassis from Romain Grosjean’s fireball crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix being on display, as well as Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri from his maiden F1 win at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.
Domenicali was “delighted” to open the exhibit to the world and is proud to see it celebrate “Formula 1’s history” in a way fans “will love”.
“I am delighted to be here in Madrid to officially open this spectacular Exhibition. I am particularly excited that our passionate Spanish fans will have the opportunity to first experience this breathtaking show,” said Domenicali.
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“I am grateful to everyone who has helped capture the heart and soul of the sport we all love in this Exhibition. It celebrates Formula 1’s history in such innovative and engaging ways – I know our fans around the world will love it!”
Timothy Harvey, lead curator and producer was by Domenicali’s side to open the exhibit, with Harvey having played an integral part in getting the attraction up and running.
He revealed how long it took to get the exhibit into a state where it could finally be opened, with it being “one of the biggest honours of my life”.
“I am so pleased this day is finally here. The concept for this Exhibition was first discussed in 2017, so it’s been a long – but incredible – journey,” Harvey said.
“To map out the history of the sport I love has been one of the biggest honours of my life.
“Building something like this is a huge undertaking and I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard and contributed their time to make it the incredible show it is today. I hope people enjoy experiencing it as much as we have enjoyed creating it.”
As amazing as the opening of the exhibit was, some of its first guests were quick to notice an interesting mug available to purchase in the gift shop.
A mug with Toto Wolff’s famous radio message to former race director Michael Masi was available to purchase, with it having read: “No Michael no.”
The radio message is, of course, from the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the comment having been made following the incorrect handling of the race’s late Safety Car.
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One Twitter user was particularly unhappy at the mug and labelled the sport as “absolutely shameless”.
“I have never seen a sport celebrate race manipulation the way Formula 1 does,” wrote @fastpitstop on Twitter.
“Absolutely shameless.”