Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc’s helmet managed to raise a massive sum in the RM Sotheby’s charity auction for the victims of the Emilia-Romagna floods. Last month the northern Italy region experienced huge floods when torrential rain caused more than 20 rivers to burst their banks and sent water through towns and villages. Fifteen people lost their lives in floods in May which eventually led to the cancellation of the Imola Grand Prix.
Hence the charity auction was created where Leclerc’s Bell HP77 helmet sold for an astonishing €306,000 (INR 2,71,76,232.57). The sum managed to break the previous record for the highest-priced racing helmet which belonged to Ayrton Senna and was worn in the championship-winning 1990 F1 season was the previous record holder.
That helmet went for €162,000 (INR 1,43,84,299.54) in 2019. While Leclerc's race-worn suit went for €61,200 (INR 54,33,927.41), while the boots were sold for €20,400 (INR 1,811.36). The gloves, meanwhile, went for €42,000 ($45,234), bringing the total to €429,600 ($462,681).
Charles Leclerc released a video talking about the initiative and in the caption hoped that people help in raising the necessary funds. The twee said, “After the recent floods in Emilia Romagna, I decided to auction all of my racing kit from the Monaco GP weekend. I hope that we can raise as much money as possible for the people that really need it in this difficult time. The auction organised by @rmsothebys will be live from Friday 2nd June 10:00 BST until Tuesday 6th June 17:00 BST.”
Watch the video here:
The auctioneer at RM Sotheby's stated expressed gratitude towards Charles Leclerc and his generosity for the cause. The statement said, "The success of this auction not only reflects Charles Leclerc’s immense talent and contribution to motorsport but also demonstrates the generosity and support from enthusiasts worldwide."
