A new name looks set to be added to the list of Formula 1 World Champions this year, meaning they will contribute to a very special piece of memorabilia that is helping to raise money for a life-changing cause
A fresh name is poised to be added alongside that of Michael Schumacher and every other living Formula 1 champion on a unique piece of sporting memorabilia which will generate substantial funds for a life-changing charity. It emerged in April that, supported by his wife Corinna, Schumacher had put his signature on a race helmet previously worn by fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart.
Schumacher has remained away from public view for over a decade, following his December 2013 skiing accident which left him with life-altering injuries. Limited information about his condition has been disclosed, with Corinna staunchly guarding her husband’s privacy amid intense media attention surrounding the seven-time F1 champion.
However, a glimpse into his circumstances was offered when Sir Jackie, who is fundraising for his charity Race for Dementia, disclosed that Schumacher’s wife “helped him” to add his initials, ‘MS’, to the helmet by guiding his hand whilst holding the pen.
His mark is one of 20 signatures adorning the white racing helmet, meaning every living F1 champion’s autograph is featured. And a 21st name looks set to be added in December, with Max Verstappen now 36 points off the lead with only four rounds left in the season.
Verstappen’s autograph is already emblazoned on the helmet as a four-time F1 champion, and it will remain untouched if the Red Bull driver manages to pull off an incredible comeback. Otherwise, either current championship leader Lando Norris or his team-mate Oscar Piastri will add a 21st and final name to those already on the helmet.
The original helmet has become a display piece at the F1 Exhibition, which pops up in cities globally for fans to see some invaluable memorabilia first-hand. It’s now been confirmed that a replica version is part of the prize in a raffle that all F1 enthusiasts can enter.
By donating £10 or more, fans can bid to win the replica helmet for themselves, along with a fully paid trip to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where they will be personally presented with their prize by Sir Jackie. All proceeds from the raffle will go to his charity, which he established after his beloved wife Helen was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
Sir Jackie said: “Dementia is the greatest challenge of my life, far tougher than anything I faced on the track. Watching my wife Helen, my timekeeper and number one supporter, live with this illness has made me more determined than ever to fight for a cure. Dementia is a global crisis, and with the incredible generosity of fans, this prize draw gives us the opportunity to raise vital funds and accelerate the breakthroughs we urgently need.”
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The helmet signed by Formula 1 champions including Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali added: “At Formula 1, we take pride in standing with Race Against Dementia in the extraordinary mission of fighting this devastating illness.
“I would like to honour Sir Jackie Stewart, who tackles the advocacy for this cause and exhibits immense passion for achieving victory in this battle – he serves as a beacon of inspiration for us all, consistently demonstrating the same passion and spirit that he displayed on the racetrack in an effort to help individuals worldwide overcome dementia.”