The Art of Racing: Helmets

There are coffee table books, and then there are objects you build a room around. The Art of Racing: Helmets, the latest release from Legacy + Art, firmly sits in the latter camp.

Limited to just 300 copies, this two-volume set spans a remarkable 682 pages, housed in a slipcase that feels as considered as the content inside. It traces the evolution of the racing helmet from its pre-war beginnings right through to the end of the 2024 season, charting not just changes in safety and technology, but the growing role of the helmet as a canvas for identity.

What makes this book stand out is the depth of its curation. Every Formula 1 World Champion is represented, alongside helmets from nearly every Grand Prix-winning driver in history. Beyond F1, it reaches into the wider world of motorsport, featuring race-winning lids from Le Mans, Indianapolis and road races like the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. Many have been sourced directly from the drivers themselves, adding a layer of authenticity that’s hard to replicate.

More than a historical archive, this is a visual study of design, storytelling and personality at 200mph. From simple leather caps to complex, sponsor-liveried works of art, the helmet becomes a lens through which to view the culture of racing itself.

Photo © Legacy + Art