Vettel raises €225,000 for charity with 'Diversity' lid!

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It's been far from a banner season for Sebastian Vettel, but two charities will be happy with how it ended on Sunday after an auction set up by the German driver raised a hefty €225,000.

Vettel donated to the online auction the special 'Diversity' helmet he wore in the Turkey and Bahrain Grands Prix which featured a rainbow pride stripe and a 'Together as One' motif whipped up by designer Jens Munster that represented a salute to diversity and harmony in these troubled times.

The value of the artefact is also in the fact that the helmet is the only one Vettel has given away during his six-year tenure at Ferrari.

The auction kicked off earlier this month and concluded on Sunday along with the F1 season. The bidding was serious to say the least as the hammer came down at a stunning €225,000!

Read also: Vettel's heartfelt tribute to a talented and worthy teammate

Proceeds from the sale will be split between two distinct charities hand-picked by Vettel.

Kindern Eine Chance – Children a Chance – is an initiative that supports disadvantaged children as well as their families in Uganda, helping the young ones attend school and supporting their education.

The second association that will be the recipient of funds is Des Sourires Pour Le Togo – Smiles For Togo, a young Swiss organisation that promotes self-sufficiency for the children of Togo by improving their education, health and access to drinking water.

Hat's off to Mr. Vettel for his generosity and humanity.

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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.