From desert dunes to Mexican dance, Qatari artist brings cultural fusion to F1

Qatari artist Hissa al-Khuzaei has fused elements of Mexican culture and her own heritage into a specially commissioned Formula 1 helmet design for driver Pierre Gasly. The helmet, commissioned by Years of Culture for the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, draws inspiration from both Qatari desert dunes and Mexican folkloric dancers' flowing skirts.

Al-Khuzaei sees a connection between these seemingly different cultural landscapes, using geometric shapes, repetition, and rhythm to create a visual celebration of cultural identity and belonging. Her design incorporates Al Sadu weaving, a traditional Qatari textile craft, alongside Mexican textile patterns, resulting in a composition that emphasizes movement, geometry, and artistic expression.

The curved form of the helmet presented unique challenges, requiring al-Khuzaei to consider how the strokes would wrap around it and appear from different angles. She aimed to create a painterly quality that reflected her artistic style while complementing Gasly's identity as a driver and the colours of his car and race suit. The project not only showcases al-Khuzaei's artistic abilities on an unconventional canvas but also introduces contemporary Qatari art to an international audience through a sporting platform with a global following.

The cultural references hold personal significance for al-Khuzaei, connecting her to her roots in Qatar while exploring her belonging to different cultural contexts. The experience has reinforced her belief in the value of artists interpreting different cultures through their own perspectives, rather than simply representing their home country.

Through this helmet design, al-Khuzaei hopes to inspire curiosity about Qatar's creative scene among Mexican audiences and generate interest in Mexican dance and textile traditions among Qatari audiences. She hopes the collaboration will spark conversations about the cultures and artistic traditions behind the design, leaving a lasting impact beyond the Grand Prix itself.