News
F1 community to stage auction to help Australian bushfire victims
As fires continue to devastate a large part of Australia, the Formula 1 community has decided to create an F1 Auction, with the money raised going to help those affected in the worst hit areas.
Formula 1 has joined forces with others from around the world and, thanks to the cooperation of everyone in the F1 family, drivers, teams, the FIA and partners, an F1 Auction will take place from 22 January, with all proceeds going to four charity and non-profit organisations, selected together with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation:
- Red Cross Australia
- Country Fire Authority Victoria
- Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
- WWF Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund
Up for auction will be exclusive items, signed merchandise and amazing ‘money-can’t-buy’ experiences. Among the many items already generously donated are the racing gloves and shoes used by Daniel Ricciardo during his first season with Renault, the helmet that Kevin Magnussen will use in this year’s 2020 Australian Grand Prix, as well as race suits from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Alex Albon, Haas’ Romain Grosjean and AlphaTauri’s Daniil Kvyat as worn in the 2019 season.
Also up for auction are a meet-and-greet in the Australian Grand Prix paddock with drivers from several teams, including Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, Red Bull’s Alex Albon and Max Verstappen, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, Racing Point’s Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll, Williams’ George Russell and Nicholas Latifi, as well as Mattia Binotto, Team Principal at Ferrari, Toto Wolff, the Team Principal of six-time world champions Mercedes, and Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal at Williams.
Team factory visits are on offer from McLaren and Renault, and there’s a chance to train with the Renault Sport Academy and a Paddock Club Experience courtesy of Pirelli, a chance to be on board of the FIA Safety Car for a hot lap at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne and to visit the Race Control Room during the Australian Grand Prix, and an opportunity to have dinner with Ross Brawn, Managing Director of Motorsport at F1.
The auction runs from January 22 to February 9 for experiences, and February 16 for products and merchandise items, and can be found here.
Australia has always been and will continue to be a very special place for Formula 1. The Australian people are an integral part of our tight-knit community and we send our condolences to everyone affected by the awful fires.
For those who do not wish to take part in the auction but would still like to send a donation, please consider the non-profits listed above.
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