A unique helmet in Mickey Mouse colors set a new historic record at a charity auction benefiting the Make-A-Wish association.
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A simple Formula 1 helmet… now worth more than 175,000 euros. An exclusive replica created as part of a collaboration between Disney and Formula 1 has just broken all records at an auction organized for the benefit of the Make-A-Wish International association.
Sold for 151,000 pounds sterling (about 176,000 euros), this example becomes the most expensive Formula 1 helmet never worn in competition sold at a public auction in history.
A unique helmet signed by the entire grid
Named Disney x Formula 1 Fuel the Magic Helmet, this helmet was designed as part of an initiative bringing together Disney, Formula 1, and Memento Exclusives, the company behind the F1 Authentics platform.
Made by Bell Racing, it features a decoration entirely dedicated to Mickey Mouse, with a matte black finish enhanced by shiny red and yellow touches as well as many graphic elements inspired by the Disney universe.
Its true value, however, lies in the signatures it bears.
The 20 full-time drivers of the world championship signed this helmet during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone. Among them are notably Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli, and Pierre Gasly, ambassador of Make-A-Wish France.
A historic record
The helmet was finally sold for 151,000 pounds sterling, approximately 201,000 dollars or 176,000 euros.
According to the organizers, this is the highest amount ever reached for a Formula 1 helmet never used in a race at a public auction.
This amount also erases several records previously established on the F1 Authentics platform.
Until now, the most expensive charity item sold by the platform was the suit worn by Max Verstappen during the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, sold for 112,000 pounds sterling.
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The previous record for a helmet belonged to the one used by Alexander Albon during the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, sold for 84,000 pounds sterling.
A creation inspired by Mickey Mouse
The helmet’s design was entrusted to Bret Iwan, famous for being the official voice of Mickey Mouse in the United States, with artistic direction by Bobby Kim, global creative director of Disney Consumer Products.
Besides the famous Mickey ears, the helmet includes several symbolic details, notably a small Make-A-Wish star placed behind the character to represent a light trail as he takes off.
The buyer will also receive a custom presentation box, including a plexiglass display case and a certificate of authenticity signed by the two creators.
All proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish
Beyond the performance achieved during this sale, the goal remains primarily charitable.
The profits will be fully donated to Make-A-Wish International, an association that fulfills the dreams of children with serious illnesses.
Fans will also have another opportunity to admire this exceptional helmet. A second version will be exhibited at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, held from August 14 to 16 in Anaheim, California.
A way to extend an initiative that brought together the passion of Formula 1, the Disney universe, and a charitable cause around an object now entered into the history of auctions.
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