What happens when a race car driver faces a life-altering crash that changes everything? For most, it would mark the end of the road, but for one determined racer, it became the start of an extraordinary comeback. In our five-part video Robert Wickens shares his story in his own words. Showcasing not just his journey but the incredible intersection of human resilience, groundbreaking technology and the art of visual storytelling. It’s a story that inspires and challenges us to see beyond limitations.
Visual design by Brian Miller for onsemi. All photos courtesy onsemi.
Resilience That Defies the Odds
Imagine losing what defines you, only to rebuild your identity stronger than before. This driver’s transformation from heartbreak to hope is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, determination can light the way forward. By refusing to let his injury define him, Robert Wickens returned to racing and became a mentor to others, proving that setbacks can be the foundation for greatness.
Sitting down with Robert Wickens to hear his story firsthand was both emotional and enlightening. With careful attention to lighting, camera position and sound, our team created a setting that allowed his passion, determination, and vulnerability to shine. Each question brought forth moments of reflection and resolve, to capture the essence of his journey.
Adobe Photoshop and After Effects were used to replace the background in the interview footage with a virtual set. Color grading, sound design and editing were accomplished using Adobe Premiere Pro with rendering handled by Adobe Media Encoder.
Storytelling That Brings Triumph to Life
Behind every powerful story is a creative process that makes it unforgettable. Through stunning visuals, we turned Robert Wickens' static photographs into living memories and built immersive virtual environments that transported viewers onto the track. These creative choices didn’t just tell his story—they made us feel his struggles, his victories, and his unwavering spirit.
Adobe Photoshop and After Effects were used to transform photographs into a dynamic motion graphics for use within the video series.
One of the most creative challenges was bringing the driver’s past to life. Using archival race photographs, we designed motion graphics that animated his early career highlights and pivotal moments. These visuals added depth to the narrative, helping viewers connect with the driver’s history and visualize his transformation.
Sound design played a critical role in amplifying the emotional impact of the series. From the roar of engines to the subtle rise of inspirational music, every sound was meticulously chosen to draw viewers into the driver’s world. The result was an auditory experience that complemented the visual storytelling.
Technology That Redefines The Possible
What once seemed impossible is now a reality, thanks to innovation. Hand-control technology allowed this driver to race competitively again, showcasing the transformative power of ingenuity. It’s a testament to how technological breakthroughs cannot only solve problems but also inspire people to rethink the boundaries of possibility in their own fields.
In the onsemi Racing Insider interviews Robert Wickens shares updates on the advanced hand controls he now uses to drive in a variety of racing series.
After the series concluded, we hosted a live Q&A event with Robert Wickens, giving viewers the chance to interact directly with the person behind the story. The event was a resounding success, sparking meaningful conversations and further solidifying the connection between the audience and the driver’s journey.
At its core, this series wasn’t just about one driver’s comeback. It was about the intersection of human perseverance and technological advancement. By showcasing how hand-control technology enabled a paralyzed driver to race competitively, we highlighted the broader potential of innovation to solve challenges with life-changing outcomes.
Compelling promotional graphics were created to support the release of each video in the series as well as the live-streamed tech talk event with Robert Wickens.
For us as storytellers, the project was a reminder of how creativity can amplify the power of a narrative. By blending the driver’s authentic voice with dynamic visuals and immersive sound, we crafted a story that resonated deeply with viewers. This journey, from crash to comeback, serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for anyone striving to overcome obstacles and imagine new possibilities.
Experience the Robert Wickens story for yourself.
Be moved by a story that proves the impossible is within reach. Watch the series and see how resilience, creativity, and technology combine to create something truly extraordinary. Begin the journey here: Meet Robert Wickens – the onsemi Racing Insider
Creative and visual design by Brian Miller for onsemi.
All photos © onsemi and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of onsemi. All rights reserved.