It's still an unexpected thrill to walk into some sleepy Spanish bar on holiday and catch a logo we designed in our W2 studio broadcast to millions around the world every other weekend during the Formula One season.
“My brief to Carter Wong was to create a logo that could be instantly identifiable with the Formula 1 name and that would encapsulate and convey the key characteristics of our brand. That what they created continues to be seen and is instantly recognisable by hundreds of millions of fans who watch the world’s most popular annual sporting competition is a testament to the longevity and effectiveness of their design”
From passes to Safety cars, we oversaw the application of the F1 identity across every possible format at each Grand Prix over our ten year working
relationship.
Following a Friday afternoon phone call from Bernie Ecclestone back in 1986, and a speedy drive down to his offices in Chessington, we returned brief in hand to “design a logo and poster for Formula One”.
An approved logo meant that at last official merchandise could be recognised as such.
Being one step ahead of the game, Bernie’s aim was to raise the standard of Formula One to the same level as the Olympics and the FIFA Football World Cup. For the inaugural launch of the new identity at the FIA's Parisian headquarters, and in readiness for the 1987 Formula One season, we designed and produced a set of comprehensive brand guidelines in six languages.
Working with Bernie for a decade allowed us access to all areas (using the passes we designed of course); and a chance to get close to some racing heroes.