The Toronto F1 Exhibition

Back in May the F1 Exhibition opened in Toronto, the first North American date for the FIA’s travelling road show. Sure, it’s not as exciting as an actual Grand Prix, but it’s only $50 and a quick drive downtown. With the show scheduled to wrap up in September, the Demaras family finally bought some tickets.

The objects on display stretch all the way back to the 50’s and even before it was called F1. Before, it was just Grand Prix racing.

Some of the items shown, such as this sterling silver trophy from Watkins Glen (home of the USGP from 1961 to 1980) are one-of-a-kind artifacts with a long history.

Race cars from the 50s, 60s and 90s were front and centre. The technological progress is so visible through Grand Prix cars, especially advancements in aerodynamics.

It’s quite intriguing that the green BRM from 1962 looks remarkable similar to Formula 1200 cars being raced today.

The connection between popular culture and F1 was on full display. For example, there was a lovely photograph of the Spice Girls performing at the Launch of the McLaren MP4-12 back in 1997. Interestingly enough, Ginger Spice is now married to the team principal at Red Bull Racing.

Formula 1 on film was represented by these mementos from ‘Bobby Deerfield‘ the 1979 movie starring Al Pacino all about an American driver in the Formula 1. Aside from the framed movie poster, there were rarely seen promotional items called ‘lobby cards’ and an original manuscript of the Sydney Pollack directed movie.

Many amateur racers walking into the event think the same thing, “That could be me! If I only had the opportunity.”. But it takes talent, family support and big sponsorship dollars

The exhibition of items related to sponsorship, examples of racing livery and team uniforms was really amazing.

The coolest item had to be the Williams Racing high-top sneakers with full racing livery. Amazing how a pair of shoes can encapsulate the look of that era.

A highlight of the F1 Exhibition was the extensive display of racing helmets, both vintage and current, from a multitude of drivers. Many of the helmets were displayed in ‘as-raced’ condition with pitted visors and the original tobacco sponsorship logos (gosh….Marlboro looks so cool).

Helmets on display included those worn by Francois Cevert, Mario Andretti, Didier Pironi, Keke Rosberg, Ayrton Senna, Gilles Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button and Felipe Massa,

For many folks, the most interesting hardware wasn’t the trophies, but rather the high-tech ‘power units’ that motivate current day Formula 1 machinery. Even the steering wheel that was so wimple 30 years has grown to a level of complexity that requires a computer science degree to operate it.

The Haas F1 team brought their four-season old VF-20 to the show. In an extremely rare moment, the engine cover was left removed to display the Swiss watch-like workings of the Ferrari engine.

The sheer size and length of the modern-day Formula 1 car, compared to this modern-day family, is quite stunning. They’re only 4″ shorter from tip to tail than a Chevy Suburban SUV.

The highlight of the show was the interactive race simulator that gave everyone with an extra $15 in their pocket the opportunity to feel like a Formula 1 driver for a couple of laps.