The brief was to create an iconic new race trophy for the GEN3 era. It was vital that it conveyed electrification, speed, and movement, whilst also retaining elegance and modernity.
Designers at Beta were influenced by real life components of the world’s first all-electric motorsport world championship. The trophy comprises of 44 fins: 22 larger fins represent the 22 drivers competing in Formula E, and 22 smaller fins representing their cars on the track. The trophy form takes inspiration from automotive spokes, heat sinks and cores within a power cable, combined with flowing lines seen in automotive body panels.
Anodised aluminium was chosen as the primary material for its lightweight, rigid qualities, which also enabled an accurate gold and silver colour-match. It was vital that the final creation felt high-end and premium in keeping with the FIA World Championship status of the sport.
Henry Chilcott, Chief Marketing Officer, Formula E, said:
“We tasked Beta with creating a trophy that would be the pinnacle expression of our new brand identity. Inspired by the instant torque of electric acceleration, the trophy speaks to our sport’s role as a powerful catalyst for change, whilst also capturing the excitement and speed of electric racing. We can’t wait to see it lifted in celebration at our first race of Season 9 in Mexico City on Saturday 14 January.”
Mark Reilly, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Beta, said:
“We wanted the trophy design to create a sense of electricity, the essence of a cup but with the burst of acceleration. Creating a narrative in projects is important for us at Beta. Both Harry [Mitchell, Co-Founder & Creative Director] and I are fans of motorsport and we wanted the design to act as a symbol of the exciting and fast-paced evolution of Formula E, and a vision for the future.”
The 2023 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix opens Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship this Saturday. Iconic motorsport names Maserati and McLaren will line up for the first time on a Formula E grid where they will compete with Porsche, Jaguar and Nissan among the 11 teams to race the GEN3 car for the first time.
Eleven world cities will host Formula E races in Season 9 which includes inaugural events in Hyderabad, Cape Town, São Paulo and Portland (Oregon, USA) plus returns to Mexico City, Diriyah, Berlin, Rome, Jakarta, Monaco and London.
