Bottas to auction off Aussie GP helmet for Save the Children

Valtteri Bottas will auction off his special-edition, race-worn 2023 Australian Grand Prix helmet after next weekend's race to raise funds for Save the Children, the Alfa Romeo team’s official charity partner.

To design the special one-off lid which also pays tribute to Australia's indigenous communities, Bottas teamed up with contemporary Aboriginal artist, Ricky Kildea

As an artist, Ricky links his cultural identity with his passion for sport to create unique artworks.

After the race weekend in Melbourne, one of the two specially-designed helmets realized for Bottas will be auctioned on the F1 Authentics platform, with all proceeds donated to two projects benefitting the local Indigenous community.

"I have a keen interest in design, this shouldn’t be a surprise, and I like to express myself through my special helmets," said Bottas at the inveuling of his special Australian GP lid.

"Australian culture and history are something I have taken a keen interest in recent years, especially through my partner, Tiffany, who is from here, and we were committed to paying a special tribute to the Indigenous community.

"Hence, the collaboration with Ricky was born. He’s a very talented artist, and I enjoyed the creative process behind the helmets. I reckon they are two of the finest designs I have ever brought on track, and I am delighted to be auctioning one of them off for a good cause.

"The Australian Grand Prix marked the perfect occasion to bring to life not one, but two incredible helmet designs whilst raising funds for those in need together with the team’s Official Charity Partner, Save the Children."

The auction will run on the F1 Authentics website from March 28 until April 11, and Bottas will personally hand over the prized item to the successful bidder. Fans and collectors alike will be able to place bids for the chance to own a unique piece of memorabilia, while helping raise funds for important causes.