Andy Devaney
Esteban Ocon is turning heads once again—this time off the track—as the F1® driver auctions the fan-designed helmet he wore at the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix. The one-of-a-kind piece is up for grabs on the F1® Authentics auction platform, with every penny raised going straight to Laureus Sport for Good.
In a sport where carbon fibre and secrecy usually rule the day, Ocon decided to hand the creative reins to the people. Earlier this year, the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driver threw open a global design competition, promising to race in the winning fan’s creation on Brazilian soil. It’s a place that clearly tugs at him—after all, it’s where he stunned the paddock last season with a surprise second-place finish.
When he broke the news on Instagram, he didn’t hide the affection he has for the place: “As you know, Brazil means a lot to me … I got a lot of support, a lot of fans, and obviously fantastic memories from 2024, but … every year I go there is extra special. And so, I got a little surprise for you guys, something special that I wanted to do for a long time. I decided that YOU can design my helmet for the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix.”
From the avalanche of submissions, a design by Fernanda rose above the rest. Ocon himself said, “Thank you Fernanda for your beautiful design. I love it and I can’t wait to wear it on track.”
A Helmet With Heart—and History
Fans watching the November race at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace spotted the striking fusion immediately: Ocon’s familiar red-and-black look melting into the greens and yellows of Brazil’s flag, anchored by a quiet but powerful nod to a national hero.
The inscription ‘Senna Forever’ wrapped the rear, a reminder of the legend whose shadow still stretches across Brazilian motorsport.
Fernanda’s narrative behind the artwork reads like a postcard from the soul of Brazil. Ocon shared her words:
“The helmet blends the warm colours of a Brazilian sunset with greens and oranges that bring to mind nature, birds, and lush vegetation.
On the back, a bird silhouette symbolises freedom and movement, with a ‘north’ pointing upward where Esteban’s parents’ initials sit, representing guidance and family roots. Small stickers and details highlight personal touches and sources of inspiration, like Ayrton Senna’s S and logo, paying tribute to the legendary driver in his home country.”
Captured by Justine CRX Photography, the helmet was already rare the moment Ocon pulled out of the Haas garage—but race-used helmets from the current season are practically unicorns. One-off editions? Forget it. This is the kind of memorabilia collectors chase for decades.
Using the Spotlight for Something Bigger
Instead of tucking it away in a private cabinet, Esteban Ocon is using the helmet’s buzz to support Laureus Sport for Good, a foundation that runs more than 300 youth programmes across 40+ countries.
As he put it: “I truly believe that sport has the power to change the lives of young people, it certainly changed mine, so I’m happy to be teaming up with F1 Authentics to auction off my special helmet from this year’s Brazilian Grand Prix to raise funds for Laureus Sport for Good, a global charity that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people in need all around the world.
It is a cause that is very dear to me so any support would be greatly appreciated. Funds raised will help support Laureus programmes around the world including Brazil, a country that is very special to me and where I have been lucky enough to receive much support from since the beginning of my career. Thanks for the support.”
Sean Fitzpatrick, Chairman of Laureus Sport for Good, echoed the sentiment:
“We are incredibly grateful to Esteban for donating such a unique and personal piece of F1 memorabilia to Laureus Sport for Good and to F1 Authentics for facilitating the auction. I met Esteban earlier this year and his passion for using his platform to make a difference was clear to see.
All funds raised by this incredible helmet will directly support Laureus’ work using sport to positively impact more young people in Brazil and around the world, providing them with the resources they need to overcome challenges and build a better future for themselves and their communities.”
A Standout Lot in F1® Authentics’ End-of-Season Sale
The helmet headlines the End of Season F1® Auction run by F1® Authentics—Formula 1’s fully licensed home for race-used gear and one-off treasures. Barry Gough, Founder & CEO of Memento Exclusives, knows the value of a unicorn when he sees one: “We are delighted to support Esteban Ocon on the auction of this one-off helmet for charity.
The unique nature of this fan-designed helmet and Ocon’s previous success in Brazil suggests this will be a very popular auction and we hope this will raise significant funds to go towards the brilliant work of Laureus Sport for Good.”
Collectors can preview the helmet now at f1authentics.com, with bidding already live from 18th November. The auction closes on 8th December 2025—plenty of time for fans, motorsport collectors, and anyone with a soft spot for Brazil’s beating racing heart to get a shot at owning this one-off symbol of passion, creativity, and generosity.
