Tiffany Cromwell: I don’t follow hard and fast rules

Tiffany Cromwell, a friend of Valtteri Bottas, regularly appears in the paddock to mentor the Finnish Alfa Romeo driver, but the professional cyclist has an old hobby that has proved in great demand in Formula 1.

She is fond of designing sportswear and registered her own brand Tiffany Jane Designs in 2009, but this project did not become a success, but now her former skills came in handy. Tiffany designs for Valtteri a very original design for his helmets.

“I always say that I am an amateur designer. But when I create something, I can’t think of anything else. This work allows you to discover something new, – said Tiffany in an interview with Rouleur magazine. – I once tried to become a designer, but this profession takes time, and when my cycling career went uphill, design had to be put aside.

When I started designing helmets I was very nervous because I didn’t have that experience. The helmet is an extension of the rider’s personality and I wanted to do my job the best I could. I first designed a custom helmet design for Valtteri ahead of the 2020 Australian race, but that Grand Prix was canceled due to Covid-19 and now I regularly work on his helmets.

I set very high standards for myself, because I want everything to go as well as possible. Since my past had nothing to do with motorsport, I do not follow the established rules. A lot of designers just try to capture the feeling of speed, but when Valtteri and I design some special versions of helmets, I always think how can we connect their design to the place where the race will take place?

I just love this activity. I always try to be creative and it shows in everything from cooking to photography. And I do all this just for my own pleasure…”