Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has announced that he will be auctioning off his “dirty” racing gear from the Monaco Grand Prix. The 25-year-old Ferrari racer will be selling his personally-designed helmet, racing suit complete with fireproof undergarments, gloves, and driving boots.
Leclerc admitted that the items bear marks from the race on Sunday, which was affected by rain. The helmet and shoes show signs of grime, adding to their uniqueness and authenticity.
The Monte Carlo-born driver, who finished in sixth place at his home circuit, has chosen to donate the proceeds from the auction to the victims of the recent flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region near Bologna, Italy. The devastating floods have left over 20,000 people homeless and claimed the lives of 15 individuals.
Speaking about the decision to auction his racing gear, Leclerc stated, “After the tragedy that happened in Italy in Emilia-Romagna with the flooding, I decided to sell all my racing kit from my home Grand Prix. It was a very special one, it was raining, so you can see everything is still a little bit dirty. But together with Sotheby’s, we have organized an auction. There will be four lots.”
Leclerc hopes that the auction will raise as much money as possible to aid those in need. All four items will be auctioned without reserve prices, and they are expected to fetch significant sums.
An RM Sotheby’s spokesperson expressed their excitement about the auction, saying, “We are delighted to announce the remarkable charity auction of Charles Leclerc’s race-worn helmet, race suit, gloves, and boots, all worn during the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix weekend. The ‘Charles Leclerc for Emilia-Romagna!’ sale, which represents an important personal initiative by Leclerc, offers a rare opportunity to acquire highly coveted race apparel directly from the Scuderia Ferrari driver, with all proceeds going to a fantastic cause.”
The spokesperson added, “All money raised will benefit those most affected by the recent flooding in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. With an estimated 20,000 people having been displaced, these have been the worst floods in Italy in 100 years.”
Fans and collectors will have the opportunity to place their bids from tomorrow until next Tuesday. The auction presents a unique chance to own a piece of racing history while contributing to a worthy cause.