Formula 1 Helps Grant Wishes Around the World
Formula 1®, the world’s premier motorsport series, and Make-A-Wish, the global children’s charity, have strengthened their alliance over the years, coming together to create extraordinary moments and fulfil life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In June 2023, Make-A-Wish officially became a “charity supported by Formula 1®”, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.
This partnership has enabled us to grant more than 100 F1-related wishes for children with critical illnesses in the last two years, creating unique wish experiences, attending Grands Prix, meeting their favourite drivers or teams, and exploring the behind-the-scenes of F1.
For so many children diagnosed with a critical illness, the Formula 1® world and the values it holds have become a key part of their life, what they believe in, and what they dream about. Offering them a unique F1 wish experience as they undergo treatment can bring them hope, strength, and motivation, positively impacting their mental and physical health.
Finn’s Wish, 2024: Lights out and away we go
Finn is obsessed with race cars, motorbikes, and anything to do with motorsports. He said it has been a dream of his to attend the Australian Grand Prix™ and get up close to the action.
Finn’s dad Ross said Finn couldn’t be happier with the experience, “I really want to thank Make-A-Wish for making Finn’s dream come true, it’s been a very memorable experience and definitely the highlight was seeing Finn’s face when he met Max!”, said Ross.
Hosam’s Wish, 2018: From meeting his idol to racing triumphs
In 2018, he not only met with his favourite driver, but thanks incredibly generous bidder, also received a unique item at a Formula 1 themed fundraiser for Make-A-Wish — an original race suit worn by FIA safety car driver Bernd Mayländer, adorned with the signatures of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. This extraordinary gift, alongside getting to meet his idol, ignited a flame within Hosam, propelling him to accomplish remarkable feats.
Today, he has not only finished school and enrolled in university but has also become an enthusiastic part-time racing driver, achieving remarkable podium finishes in his native country of Jordan.
Kaden’s Wish: Racing dreams lived and realised
“Really early on in my life, before my transplant, I visited the speedway racing at Western Springs. I fell in love with motorsport from there and have been addicted ever since. It was always my biggest wish to go to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne. After my heart transplant, the Make-A-Wish New Zealand team made that wish come true. I went to Melbourne and watched the race from the best view in the house! I even got to meet some of the drivers – it was beyond what I ever dreamt of.
The whole experience was so cool and totally inspirational. My wish, and meeting my heroes, helped me chase my dreams. I had seen all the cars and drivers on TV, but to go to the race and meet them in real life, it was life changing. It showed me that, despite my heart transplant, I could get up there and do it. Now, at 18 years old, I’m competing in the Formula Regional Oceania Championships!”
Make-A-Wish® International President & CEO Luciano Manzo at the Formula 1® British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
At the 2024 Formula 1 British Grand Prix, 16 children dioagnosed with critical illness whose wish was to attend an F1 race or meet their favourite F1 driver, were offered the experience of a lifetime as they discovered the behind-the-scenes of their favourite sport. F1 staff gave them a unique Paddock tour, and they then went on to watch the race from the grandstands all weekend. Thank you F1 for making their wishes come true!
News About the Collaboration
Formula 1 and Make-A-Wish to make wishes come true at Grands Prix for critically ill children
Pierre Gasly on the Importance of Make-A-Wish International’s Work
Formula 1® and Make-A-Wish International create powerful Grand Prix Experiences for Wish Families
Wishes Granted at the Australian Grand Prix
For any press inquiries, please contact:
Niamh Ryan
Senior Manager, PR and Communications ,
Make-A-Wish International
nryan@worldwish.org