Several F1 items have been put up for charity by Bonhams as they generate donations towards NHS to help them in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
With the COVID-19 pandemic having a catastrophic impact on the world, much of the motorsport family has stepped forward to do their part in contributing to the fight. Think the ‘Race for the World’ ESports event put on by drivers, or Lando Norris’ charity streams.
And, this trend will continue with an ongoing charity event with Bonhams, which will be drawing to a close on Wednesday, April 29, as in this auction, several bits of F1 memorabilia – including numerous race suits – will be on the block.
The list has a VIP experience on offer from Williams, as well as race suits from McLaren’s Norris, Racing Point’s Sergio Perez and Mercedes Valtteri Bottas & Lewis Hamilton, whose championship-winning 2019 F1 outfit is the main attraction.
As was detailed in the Bonhams release, Hamilton’s suit was used in FP2 during Monaco GP, Austrian GP and British GP. Norris’ McLaren was worn at an unidentified time, while Bottas worn it in FP3 in Azerbaijan GP, Monaco GP & British GP and FP1 in French GP.
In contrast, Perez’s suit has yet to be used in a competitive session, as it is 2020-spec but he wore in the two Barcelona pre-season F1 tests – the only track action to happen this year. The Mexican will even congratulate the person getting it on phone.
Meanwhile, the Williams experience surrounds the 2021 British GP, and includes a tour of the factory at Grove, a behind-the-scenes look at the practice sessions, and even afternoon tea. Grandstand tickets are given for Saturday and Sunday.
All money from the auction will be donated directly to the British National Health Service, who is on the front lines of the global fight against COVID-19, which has seen the untimely passing of many, and the infection of even many more.
All of the F1 teams donating items or experiences have already assisted the NHS as part of their ‘Project Pitlane’, which puts together the British outfits to builds respiratory assistance equipment, further helping the fight.
The release shared further details on the auction: “The auction is being hosted at bonhams.com and is online now, running for three weeks until Wednesday 29 April. Bids can be made by visiting bids@bonhams.com or calling Bonhams on +44 (0) 20 7447 7447. All lots will be available to view online at bonhams.com/theblueauction.
“Bonhams is waiving all charges which means 100% of proceeds are going to the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal. Funds from the NHS Covid-19 appeal will help support the health and wellbeing of NHS staff and volunteers supporting Covid-19 patients in ways above and beyond which NHS funding can ordinarily provide. The appeal has a target of £100 million.”
Here’s news on Toto Wolff buying shares of Aston Martin
Here’s more from Sergio Perez in F1 live chat
Here’s F1 teams helping under Project Pitlane
Here’s Ferrari updating on their help in Italy
Here’s Pirelli’s Mario Isola doing paramedics work
Here’s how Ron Dennis is helping NHS workers with free meals
The story was edited by Darshan Chokhani
