McLaren Racing has unveiled a one-off livery ahead of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, designed by a diverse female artist based in the UAE.
Artist Rabab Tantawy has used “her passion for union, community, and heritage to inspire and inform the artwork for the livery.” Featuring her ‘Nubian figures’ Series, the artwork represents “togetherness and the world as one”, two themes that Rabab explores in her work on and off the canvas.
Her artwork will be seen at the final race of the year, the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, on Sunday 12 December 2021, with racing stars Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo featuring her artwork on their cars.
This marks the first time a piece of original art has appeared on a livery during a Grand Prix event and the first time a female artist from the Middle East has been given this kind of opportunity.
Rabab’s work forms part of Vuse’s recently announced Driven by Change initiative; the global vape brand is a long-standing partner of McLaren under British American Tobacco (BAT). The initiative sees creative talent from underrepresented backgrounds given opportunities to showcase their work through motorsport. Rabab’s exposure as an artist was the first of many more for diverse individuals.
Rabab Tantawy said: “Never would I have imagined being given an opportunity like this. Coming from a family of racing fans, seeing one of my original artworks racing on track is one of the most incredible things to happen in my career – and an even more amazing feat being the first female, Middle Eastern artist to do so.
“Providing opportunities and platforms for unestablished artists in the Middle East is something I’m passionate about. Being named the first creative in Vuse’s Driven by Change initiative hopefully marks the first of many examples of up-and-coming creative talent in motorsport showcasing their work, passions and values on the world stage. I look forward to being a part of these moments for others.”
John Beasley, Group Head of Brand Building, BAT, said: “We want to really focus on providing support and opportunities for talent as we further champion the diversity of people and skills in the creative world.
“Rabab has been an incredible talent to work with for the launch of the programme, with her passion for diversity and togetherness, and artistic skillset to transform the track in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to working with Rabab as she helps us continue to influence change in not only motorsport but the creative industry as a whole.”
Claire Cronin, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing, said: “We are excited to bring the art and motorsport worlds together in a ground-breaking way, by sporting Rabab Tantawy’s artwork on our race cars at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Together with Vuse, Driven by Change is a unique opportunity to use our global stage to support rising talent, giving undiscovered creatives the platform they deserve.”
