Race and classic pictures

From canvas to track: Hamilton’s lids showcase young artists’ vision

Lewis Hamilton, known for his expressive style both on and off the track, has made bold helmet designs a signature part of his F1 presence.

Over the years, he’s sported memorable lids, from a gold version for the 2018 season finale to a futuristic light-up visor at the Japanese GP last year.

Earlier this year, the seven-time F1 world champion urged his younger fans to showcase their creative skills, inviting them to design one of his 2024 season helmets through a competition organized by Mercedes partner Ineos Hygienics, a company initially founded to supply sanitizing products during the pandemic.

Open to young artists aged 11-18, the competition featured three age groups, drawing nearly 2,000 entries. After careful selection, three winning designs emerged, with each to be worn by Hamilton at the three final races of the 2024 season.

 

The chosen helmets include Alex’s fiery swirls, Humayra’s geometric rainbow, and Liam’s vibrant color patterns, uniquely created by spreading paint across a canvas using his wheelchair.

This contest not only celebrates artistic creativity but also serves as part of a broader life skills initiative for schools, fostering a new wave of young designers.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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