The Last Dance
Force India
The Concept
The starting point for this piece was a race-used carbon fibre bargeboard from the 2018 Force India Formula 1 car. It came from the final year the Force India name raced, which immediately gave the piece a story before I had even started painting.
This was a very different kind of canvas. The part already had so much history in it, with rubber, dirt and marks from the track still embedded in the surface. I wanted to keep as much of that as possible, especially through the lower section, so the original character of the part was never lost.
The idea was to paint both Force India cars across the fins, using the shape of the bargeboard to bring movement and depth to the piece. Because the fins sit at different levels, the perspective became one of the biggest challenges. Even a small change in viewing angle could throw the cars out, so I had to keep stepping back and checking the composition as it came together.
A race-used part of Formula 1 history
Carrying the marks, rubber and dirt from its time on track.
The Painting
Painting directly onto a race-used Formula 1 part was a real challenge from start to finish. The shape, surface and depth of the bargeboard all had to work with the painting, rather than just sit behind it.
I wanted the two cars and abstract forms to feel part of the carbon fibre, while still allowing the original surface to show through. The marks, dirt and rubber from its time on track are still there, because they are part of the story.
To finish the piece, I worked with DAPPR Furniture to create a bespoke stand. The bargeboard sits on a resin-coated oak base, with custom welded metalwork spreading across the wood and connecting the natural form below with the manmade carbon fibre above.
The finished piece sits somewhere between painting, sculpture and Formula 1 history. It celebrates the colour and energy of Force India, while preserving a genuine part from the team’s final chapter.
A piece of Force India history brought back to life.
Please enjoy this video showcase highlighting some of the key details of the painting.
POA
If you have any enquiries about the original piece or its acquisition, please get in contact.