When fractions of a second matter on the racetracks, you need shoes to match your speed and style. Meet Faith, the Gen Z artist who designed Oscar Piastri’s F1 racing boots
Oscar Piastri is putting his best foot—or feet—forward in fan-designed boots by Faith Rino for the recently concluded British Grand Prix. In May, Oscar’s team and Alpine Stars, the world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, called for all budding designers, Oscar Piastri fans, and F1 fanatics to display their artistry and outfit the McLaren driver. Among a hundred participants worldwide, Faith emerged victorious as the designer with the golden touch.
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MEGA’s July Electric Youth issue spotlights the young talents bringing fresh perspectives to the creative ecosystem. In honor of that, MEGAStyle talks to the young artist who made waves in the F1 world with her design.
Full Throttle Performance
The Australian racer had a fan—and one who knew very well what steps should be taken so the shoes stand out with their unique design. Her love of art—and F1—pushed her to enter, approaching the contest with characteristic zeal and a passionate spirit. “Oscar is one of the drivers I love and support, and this competition also perfectly combines my interests in F1 and art,” Faith tells MEGAStyle. “Also, as an artist, I’ve been pushing myself to get my work out there and get out of my comfort zone.”
Though now globally recognized, the 19-year-old Fil-Am artist’s beginnings are far removed from the United Kingdom’s tracks. She began painting at three, spent years honing her craft, then focused on character design and illustration as a studio art major in college. “Having a career revolving around art has always been my dream,” Faith continues to share. “And I can feel myself getting closer and closer with every step I take. However, with college and work, it’s been harder for me to find free time to draw or to even feel motivated to draw. So, a competition like this really made me feel more creative.”
Bridging her artistic side with her interest in F1, Faith added her Midas touch to the blank canvas of Oscar’s racing boots. Want to know what it’s like to walk in those animated, fashion-forward shoes? Oscar had to race in them—full throttle performance and style guaranteed.
From Design to the Tracks
At the British Grand Prix, the McLaren driver chased maximum speen and in maximum style. Faith traded the less-is-more minimalism and pretty aesthetics for a wild and loud statement—a myriad of colors and prints. “I went for a sticker-scrapbook-esque look because I love adding stickers to everything,” the artist says. “Plus, it feels personal and one-of-a-kind. The main details I incorporated paid homage to the UK with iconic imagery, like the underground sign, red phone booths, and the flag, of course, his iconic 81 number…then I also drew a tiny orange cat—a nod to Oscar’s nickname as the ‘polite cat.’”
To F1 fans, Oscar has been attributed to the ‘polite cat’ meme because of his smile and his expressions.
oscar 'heart eyes' piastri never beating the polite cat allegations#f1fanart #FansLikeNoOther pic.twitter.com/Zw4Wc2HdUL
— ciaran⁸¹ 🍉 | TEAM STARDUST (comms open)💫 (@UnknownAster) November 21, 2023
A Podium Finish for the Artist
For motorsport racers intent on getting ahead, a shoe custom designed for you might be your formula for acceleration—Oscar finished fourth in standing out of 20 drivers. The designer’s comment on McLaren’s post, to which the driver was seen entering the paddock in the boots, was “still so crazy to see.”
Oscar in action with the custom footwear designed by Faith; Video: MCLAREN (via Instagram)
When asked about her winning moment, Faith answered, “I couldn’t believe it. At first, I thought the email wasn’t real and had to reread several times. This is when I started to freak out—I was ecstatic and on the verge of crying. It was the best feeling, because this was truly one of the biggest competitions I have ever won in my life. I’m still extremely grateful and honored my design was chosen out of the hundreds of other wonderful designs submitted.”
Not only was Faith’s creation brought to the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, but the driver and the artist had a chance to talk to each other as well. It was indeed a fangirl’s dream come true: “Talking to Oscar face-to-face was the craziest experience I’ve ever had—I tried my best to remain calm. My mind blanked, but he was so kind and patient, making it extremely easy and comfortable to talk to him. Then seeing him race in the boots I designed gave me an overwhelming sense of gratitude and absolute joy. This whole experience will be a core memory for the rest of my life.”
Oscar shared a conversation with Faith through a video call; Video: OP81 (via Instagram)
“I think they look really cool,” the Australian racer said on the call. “Thank you for the design, for being so good at designing them, and I hope you enjoy seeing them on TV.”
Art Beyond F1
Winning the competition catapulted Faith into the spotlight, and thus propelled her to trust herself and her talent more. But while she’s still basking in the success of her craftsmanship in the F1 world, she’s looking to shake up the art world next—but at her own pace and on her own terms. “I know I’ll keep entering as many competitions as possible to continue to get my name out in the world and challenge myself more,” the young artist tells MEGAStyle. “Winning this competition has given me a great boost of confidence, so keep a lookout for more of my designs. In the meantime, I’ll also be working hard to get into art school and posting more personal art on my Instagram.”
Photos and Featured Image: OP81, MCLAREN, and FAITH RINO (via Instagram)
