Race and classic pictures

Vettel calls on 1000 fans to bid on 'final lap' helmet

Sebastian Vettel will see the curtain fall on his life and times in Formula 1 next week in Abu Dhabi.

But the four-time world champion aims to depart the grid on a positive note, regardless of where he'll finish his swansong outing as a Grand Prix driver.

Vettel will sport in Yas Marina a special helmet designed by Jens Munser Designs that will feature 1000 mini-portraits of fans who will have bid for the privilege on the auction's dedicated website.

All proceeds from "The Final Lap Helmet" will go to environmental projects supported by Vettel.

To register for the auction that will end on November 10 at 21h00 CET, click here.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Jaguar's Evans charges from zero to hero in in Miami E-Prix

Mitch Evans arrived at Round 3 of the Formula E season with zero points on…

18 mins ago

Mercedes ‘aced it’ in Barcelona, but Brundle downplays the hype

Mercedes may have just dropped the first thunderclap of the 2026 Formula 1 era –…

1 hour ago

Team Talk: F1's shakedown week in Barcelona

Cadillac Valtteri Bottas “It’s great, but it is the problem-solving phase of the team. It’s…

2 hours ago

Russell impressed by Mercedes rivals’ power unit strength

While Mercedes spent the first week of the 2026 shakedown in Barcelona looking like a…

4 hours ago

Gasly invests in MotoGP team Tech3 as Steiner-led era begins

Pierre Gasly is adding a new kind of horsepower to his career. The Alpine F1…

21 hours ago

Jo Bonnier: A true gentleman racer

Sweden's Jo Bonnier, who was born on this day in 1930, enjoyed a career in…

22 hours ago