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.