Brawn hits back at criticism of new F1 logo

Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn has defended its new logo design and says the previous one “was neither iconic or memorable”.

With Liberty Media aiming to apply its own stamp on F1 while shaping its future direction, Brawn sees the logo change as a symbolic move to herald in the new era of the sport. The new logo was revealed during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix podium ceremony to take centre stage but was met with a mixed reaction from fans and drivers – while Valtteri Bottas, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton all said they preferred the old design.

Brawn has stood firm over the design alteration and laid a dig at the previous logo as not fit for purpose for F1 in the future.

“The Abu Dhabi paddock was the scene of symbolic events for the sport, one was the unveiling of the new Formula 1 logo,” Brawn said in an F1 release. “Over the past few days the question was asked as to whether the logo is really a major priority and the answer is yes.

“Apart from the commercial aspects, the new logo is much more flexible in terms of its use, especially when it comes to its application on merchandising and in the digital world. It has impact.

“The old logo was neither iconic or memorable. It was important to let Formula 1 fans see that we are entering a new era. Our sport is changing and must look to the future and also outside its own environment if it is to attract new fans, especially among the young.

“We believe this logo exemplifies this desire, in a world where visual communication is ever more important we must also move in this direction.”

Since the rebranding of F1’s logo at the weekend reports have emerged of a small tweak to the design with the white space separating the red ‘F’ markings made bigger to make the lettering clearer.

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