The Art of Racing: Helmets was named the winner of the inaugural Best Design award at the Royal Automobile Club’s Motoring Book of the Year 2026 ceremony, held at the RAC clubhouse in Pall Mall, London, on October 28, 2026.
The book was designed and produced by Hothouse Media team members Peter Allen and Sarah Bradley (pictured below, with editorial director David Lillywhite), working with author Joe Twyman, photographer Rick Guest of Legacy+Art and collector Ronald Stern. Hothouse Media is the publishing house behind Magneto and Octane magazines among many other publications.
Spanning two volumes and more than 650 pages, The Art of Racing: Helmets showcases race-worn helmets from every Formula 1 World Champion and 99 percent of Grand Prix winners. Covering the evolution of racing helmets from their introduction in pre-war motor sport to the end of the 2024 season, the book also features helmets worn by winners of the Le Mans 24 Hours, Indianapolis 500, Mille Miglia and Targa Florio.
“This is a phenomenal achievement,” said Motoring Book of the Year 2026 judge Christian Whitehead. “The subject matter is both important and fascinating, with stunning large-format studio photography immortalising not only the racing helmets of our heroes but also the personalities behind them.”
The Art of Racing: Helmets is available as a slipcased edition of 300 copies at £495 from the Magneto online store here. A limited edition of 50 numbered, signed and leather-bound copies is available upon request at £1575.
