A British artist has taken motorsport creativity to the next level by transforming Fernando Alonso’s F1 exhausts into an exclusive collection of hand-crafted artworks.
Renowned designer Ben Rousseau has collaborated with John Haigh of Racing Gold—a company celebrated for recycling the world’s “most exciting junk”—to create extraordinary light sculptures and timepieces made from authentic Formula 1 car parts.
Motorsport Engineering Meets Artistic Vision
Each piece in Rousseau’s collection incorporates genuine F1 components, including exhausts from Alonso’s 2006 World Championship-winning Renault R26. These retired race parts have been meticulously reimagined through refined design, precision metalwork, and immersive lighting effects, creating unique artworks that merge motorsport heritage with contemporary design.
Ben explained:
“Each piece is unique and exists to capture the imagination of anyone who would love to own a piece of motorsport legacy.”
One standout creation is a horizontal light sculpture on display at the Escapade Silverstone Gallery, crafted using Alonso’s race-run exhausts. Enhanced with fibre optic lighting, the piece glows as if ablaze—an artistic nod to the raw energy of Formula 1.
From Track to Timeless Art
The exhausts, made from Inconel super-alloy (a material also used in jet and rocket engines), were once pushed to their limits on track before being expertly polished, lacquered, and transformed into works of art.
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Another highlight of the collection is a bespoke chandelier crafted from the same R26 exhausts, arranged organically to mimic the shapes of the ocean. Supporting elements include other authentic F1 parts, such as torsion springs and the famous “legality plank.”
“Formula 1 teams push materials to their limits. Once these exhausts retire, they still hold immense beauty and history. Our role is to give them a new life as art,” Rousseau added.
A Collector’s Dream
Owning one of these one-of-a-kind motorsport sculptures comes at a price—£9,250 per piece. Collectors can view the artworks by appointment at Escapade Silverstone, where Rousseau’s signature timepieces are also displayed in the exclusive venue’s gym.
These unique clocks, crafted from over 132 genuine F1 components, including torsion rods and suspension fasteners, showcase Rousseau’s talent for blending engineering precision with artistic expression.
Spotlight on Motorsport Art at Escapade Silverstone
The Escapade Silverstone Gallery is curating a world-first art collection for 2025, featuring original paintings, sculptures, photography, digital art, and contributions from former F1 drivers such as Stefan Johansson.
Art Director Renata Fernandes emphasised that the showcase highlights both established and emerging artists, bringing motorsport culture into the world of fine art.
For Rousseau, the mission is clear:
“Whether I’m designing an interior, a sculpture, or a clock, I want to spark imagination and capture the raw energy of racing. These parts once screamed around this circuit—now they tell a new story through light and form.”
