Valtteri Bottas
As a Formula 1 fan, there are few moments that feel more surreal than being asked to design for the sport itself. In 2023, I had the chance to do exactly that. Alongside Millinsky, I was invited to pitch helmet design concepts for none other than Valtteri Bottas, who at the time raced for the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team. It wasn’t just another brief — it was a chance to create something that would sit at the very core of a driver’s identity. Helmet designs in F1 aren’t just gear. They’re personal flags, expressions of mindset, culture, and performance.
Inside the Design Direction
For my approach, I leaned into symbolism and bold simplicity — exploring how to visually represent Bottas’ calm, calculated driving style alongside his Finnish roots. I treated the helmet as both an aerodynamic object and a visual signature, building a graphic system that could be seen and felt even at 350km/h.
While staying true to the integrity of racing aesthetics, I pushed for a graphic language that felt fresh, unexpected, and distinctly VB. The idea was to create a piece that felt just as confident on the track as it did iconic in photos.
A Concept That Stayed a Concept
Despite the energy behind the pitch, the collaboration didn’t move forward beyond the concept stage. VB’s team chose not to proceed — and that’s just part of how this world works. But the opportunity to design for a Formula 1 athlete, and to shape ideas at that level of visibility, was unforgettable in itself.
This wasn’t just about creating graphics — it was about stepping into a space I’ve always looked up to and realising that I had something to offer there.
Still on the Grid
Even though this design didn’t make it to the track, it reminded me that design, much like motorsport, is about showing up — with sharp instincts, a fast hand, and the ability to adapt mid-race.
Every brief may not cross the finish line, but each one moves you forward.