From November 2007 to December 2010, Autoweek reporter Al Pearce travelled the world collecting signatures from Formula One world champions on a white Simpson helmet.
22 signatures later, and - on May 14 - the helmet will finally go up for auction in Monte Carlo to raise money for various children’s charities: The Victory Junction Gang Camp, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.
The 22 drivers’ signatures featured on the helmet belong to (champion-winning years in parentheses):
- Fernando Alonso (2005-2006)
- Mario Andretti (1978)
- Jack Brabham (1959-1960, 1966; now deceased)
- Jenson Button (2009)
- Emerson Fittipaldi (1972, 1974)
- Mika Hakkinen (1998-1999)
- Lewis Hamilton (2008, 2014-2015)
- Damon Hill (1996)
- Phil Hill (1961; now deceased)
- Alan Jones (1980)
- Niki Lauda (1975, 1977, 1984)
- Nigel Mansell (1992)
- Nelson Piquet (1981, 1983, 1987)
- Alain Prost (1985-1986, 1989, 1993)
- Kimi Raikkonen (2007)
- Keke Rosberg (1982)
- Jody Scheckter (1979)
- Michael Schumacher (1994-1995, 2000-2004)
- Jackie Stewart (1969, 1971, 1973)
- John Surtees (1964)
- Sebastian Vettel (2010-2013)
- Jacques Villeneuve (1997)
Together, they combine for 45 drivers’ titles
Pearce’s incredible story in full is available at Autoweek.com
Visit rmsothebys.com/registration/ to register to bid
