Disney x Formula 1 ‘Fuel the Magic’ Helmet Sells for Record £151,000 at Charity Auction

London, England, August 6, 2026: A one-of-a-kind Disney x Formula 1® Fuel the Magic Helmet, signed by all 20 current Formula 1 drivers, has set a new benchmark in motorsport memorabilia after selling for £151,000 (approximately $201,000) at a charity auction.

Auctioned by F1 Authentics, operated by Memento Exclusives, the custom-designed Bell Racing helmet raised funds for Make-A-Wish International, becoming the highest publicly recorded sale of a non-race-used Formula 1 helmet at a public auction.

Record-breaking sale supports Make-A-Wish International

The auction marked the first collaboration between Disney, Formula 1 and Memento Exclusives to create a unique collectible aimed at raising money for children living with critical illnesses.

Following competitive bidding from collectors worldwide, the exclusive helmet was acquired by a private collector for £151,000, setting multiple charity auction records.

The sale eclipses the previous highest charitable auction conducted by F1 Authentics—a Max Verstappen race suit from the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, which raised £112,000.

It also surpassed the previous record for a charity helmet auction held by F1 Authentics, previously set by Alex Albon’s race-used 2022 Singapore Grand Prix helmet, which sold for £84,000.

Signed by all 20 Formula 1 drivers

One of the key attractions of the helmet is the collection of signatures from all 20 drivers competing in the current Formula 1 season.

The autographs were gathered during the 2026 British Grand Prix weekend and include:

• Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris
• Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen
• Rising star Kimi Antonelli
• 2026 British Grand Prix winner Charles Leclerc
• Make-A-Wish France ambassador Pierre Gasly

With helmets signed by the entire Formula 1 grid being exceptionally rare, the piece is regarded as one of the most unique modern F1 collectibles ever produced.

Mickey Mouse-inspired design celebrates Disney and Formula 1 partnership

The “Fuel the Magic” helmet was created in collaboration with Bell Racing and features artwork inspired by Disney’s iconic Mickey Mouse.

The design was illustrated by Bret Iwan, the official voice of Mickey Mouse, under the creative direction of Bobby Kim, Global Creative Director at Disney Consumer Products.

Finished in matte black with high-gloss graphics, the helmet combines bold red and yellow accents with Mickey Mouse artwork and Formula 1 branding.

A subtle Make-A-Wish star positioned behind Mickey’s shoe symbolises a trail of magic as the beloved character races forward.

The successful bidder will also receive:

• A bespoke presentation box
• A premium plexiglass display case
• A certificate of authenticity signed by Bret Iwan and Bobby Kim

Second helmet to be displayed at D23 2026

A second “Fuel the Magic” helmet will be showcased at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, taking place from August 14–16, 2026, in Anaheim, California, allowing fans to view the exclusive design in person.

Memento Exclusives celebrates fundraising milestone

Commenting on the auction’s success, Barry Gough, Founder and CEO of Memento Exclusives (F1 Authentics), said the overwhelming response from collectors highlighted both the appeal of the unique helmet and the importance of the charitable cause.

“We are very happy to have achieved these significant funds for Make-A-Wish. Being entrusted by Disney and Formula 1 with a cause as important as auctioning the Fuel the Magic helmet is something we are incredibly proud of. We are delighted that this captured the imagination of bidders worldwide and that the winner has not only secured an iconic piece of memorabilia but has made a huge impact on an incredibly worthy cause.”

The record-breaking sale further underlines the growing demand for exclusive Formula 1 memorabilia while demonstrating how the sport can help support meaningful charitable initiatives on a global scale.