The Race is On exhibition at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum in Doha, Qatar, was opened by the Chairperson of Qatar Museums, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani. The exhibition celebrates Qatar’s motorsport history and marks a new era for Formula 1 in the country. Key figures in attendance at the opening included Minister of Transport HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti and Director of QOSM Abdulla Yousuf Al Mulla. The exhibition, in collaboration with partners like the UK’s Silverstone Museum and the future Qatar Auto Museum, showcases a range of historic items, including racing suits, trophies, and more.
Running until April 1, 2025, the exhibition coincides with the 2024 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and the 2025 Qatar International Rally. It highlights Qatar’s rich racing legacy, from the first Qatar Motor Rally in 1975 to the recent Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit. The Race is On provides an exciting opportunity to explore Qatar’s unique racing journey as a host and competitor in international motorsports, reflecting the country’s growing influence in the sport.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is Brazilian F1 driver Ayrton Senna’s helmet, which he wore during his first Formula 1 season in 1984. During the preparation of the helmet for display, a conservator at the museum discovered a handwritten prayer in Portuguese by Senna’s mother tucked in the lining. President of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, HE Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla Al-Thani, described this discovery as a symbol of a mother’s love and the emotional fortitude required to excel in sports. The exhibition features pieces sourced from international lenders, offering visitors insights into the pioneering drivers and their stories.
The exhibition is part of the Fall/Winter 2024-2025 Season of Qatar Creates, a platform dedicated to promoting cultural activities and amplifying Qatar’s creative industries. The Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at the museum, Susan Patricia Hayward, highlighted the significance of the exhibition in showcasing key moments in F1, rally, and Qatar’s motorsports heritage. Notably, the exhibition sheds light on why Qatar has produced world-renowned rally drivers like Saeed Al Hajri and Nasser Al Attiyah. Qatar’s ever-expanding role in international sports, especially in motorsports, is celebrated through The Race is On exhibition, inviting visitors to explore the country’s rich sporting history.
