Helmet of hope: Piastri’s gift fuels £50k for kids' cancer battle

Oscar Piastri’s recent results on the track may have fallen short of his own high standards. But off it, F1’s championship leader is proving his impact goes far beyond lap times and podiums.

In a remarkable act of generosity, Piastri’s race-worn helmet from the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, and signed by the McLaren driver, has raised £52,000 or $70,000 at auction, with every cent donated to the My Room Children’s Cancer Charity – a cause the young Australian has passionately championed since becoming an ambassador earlier this year.

The gesture, rooted in a personal connection to a young fan, will help bring comfort and hope to families battling childhood cancer.

The auction, hosted by F1 Authentics, Formula 1’s official memorabilia platform, drew enormous global attention.

“Thank you very much to everyone who has bid on and supported the auction for my 2024 Bahrain race helmet with F1 Authentics,” Piastri said.

“We’ve raised a huge amount of money for My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, which is a great cause. This is really going to make a difference to their projects and help everyone, so thank you once again.”

A Rare Treasure for a Greater Cause

The helmet, worn at the opening round of the 2024 season, represents far more than just a piece of sporting memorabilia. It marks the start of what became Piastri’s breakout year – a campaign that delivered his first Formula 1 victory and laid the foundation for his current title charge.

Now, it will fuel hope for families fighting battles much tougher than those fought on track.

For My Room CEO Margaret Zita OAM, the significance of the gesture went beyond the impressive figure.

“We are incredibly grateful to Oscar for donating such a remarkable piece of F1 history, and to F1 Authentics for their work behind the scenes in making this auction possible,” Zita said.

“The outstanding amount raised from the sale of the helmet will directly support the children and families My Room stands beside every day as they face the unimaginable. This result will make a meaningful and lasting difference, bringing hope where it’s needed most.”

According to Barry Gough, founder and CEO of Memento Exclusives, which operates F1 Authentics, the result of the auction was extraordinary – both financially and emotionally.

“We are proud to have worked with Oscar Piastri to help raise these funds for My Room Children’s Cancer Charity,” Gough said.

“A worn and signed helmet is an extremely rare piece for collectors and this coming from the current Championship leader makes it even more special.”

A Chance Encounter

Piastri’s connection with My Room began in Melbourne earlier this year, when he met Kruz, a young fan and cancer patient, during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

The meeting left a deep impression on the McLaren star, inspiring him to dedicate more of his platform to the charity’s mission of supporting children battling cancer and easing the burden on their families.

As Piastri continues to chase glory in the F1 championship, his legacy is already taking shape beyond the racetrack.

Through a single, heartfelt act, he has turned a piece of motorsport history into a beacon of hope, proving that true champions are defined not just by their speed, but by the lives they touch.

Read also: Piastri admits pace deficit in Mexico qualifying ‘a bit of a mystery’

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