Sheikha Al Mayassa unveils 'The Race Is On' exhibition

3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) is presenting 'The Race is On,' an exhibition commemorating Qatar's motorsport history and marking a new era for Formula 1 in the country.

The exhibition, in collaboration with key partners, including the UK’s Silverstone Museum and the future Qatar Auto Museum, is on view until April 1, 2025 at QOSM’s E8 Exhibition Gallery, timed to coincide with the 2024 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix from November 29 until December 1, and the 2025 Qatar International Rally on February 1-2, 2025.

The exhibition was unveiled by Qatar Museums (QM) chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, in the presence of HE the Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed al-Sulaiti, QM CEO Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi, QOSM president Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla al-Thani, alongside director Abdulla Yousuf al-Mulla and the curatorial team.

The opening marks a significant milestone in Qatar’s motorsport legacy, from the first Qatar Motor Rally in 1975 to last year’s successful Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit.

'The Race is On' features a unique range of historic items, including racing suits worn by Formula 1 and rally champions, trophies, tyres from past races, an intricate digital model of the Lusail Circuit, original and exact replica helmets, and more.

Amongst the highlight objects is Brazilian F1 driver, Ayrton Senna’s helmet. It was designed for him by the renowned helmet designer, Sid Mosca, and the former wore it during his very first Formula 1 season in 1984. Whilst preparing the helmet for display in 'The Race is On' exhibition, one of the conservators at 3-2-1 QOSM discovered a piece of paper folded in the lining; a handwritten prayer in Portuguese by the racer’s mother.

In a press statement, Sheikh Mohammed said: “The prayer note found in Senna’s helmet is a unique expression of a mother’s love, also a symbol of what it means to be human in the face of extreme pressure, and what it takes to be an athlete at the highest level. Sports are not only about physical strength, but also about emotional fortitude, and teaching valuable life lessons.”