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 coming together to create extraordinary moments and fulfil life-changing wishes for children living with critical illnesses. This collaboration marks a new chapter in their shared commitment to making wishes come true for courageous young individuals around the globe.
Formula 1® will open its doors to eligible wish children and their families, granting them exclusive access to the heart of the action during prestigious Grand Prix events throughout the season. These exceptional behind-the-scenes experiences will allow them to witness the adrenaline-pumping races and create cherished memories.
The commitment between Formula 1 and Make-A-Wish represents a powerful alliance that will ignite countless smiles, joy, and inspiration in the lives of children facing critical illnesses.
With the global reach of Formula 1® and the unwavering dedication of Make- A-Wish, this collaboration will create a world where every child's wish holds the power to become a reality.
Granting F1 Wishes Around the World
Hosam's wish to meet Lewis Hamilton
Hosam had a deep desire to meet his idol, Lewis Hamilton, and aspired to pursue a career as a race car driver.
In 2018, he not only met with his favorite driver, but also received from an incredibly generous bidder 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, and his wish granted to meet his idol, ignited a flame within Hosam, propelling him to accomplish remarkable feats.
Today, he has not only completed his education and enrolled in university but has also become an enthusiastic part-time racing driver, achieving remarkable podium finishes in his native country of Jordan.
Powerful Grand Prix Experiences for Wish Families at FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2023
“Obrigada - thank you”, said 15-year-old Margarida from Portugal, with a big smile on her happy face, to Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, as the Ferrari star stopped to have his picture taken with her in the busy F1 Paddock in Monza. Then she gave her dad a huge hug. Her wish had come true, she had met her idol, and was able to give Charles a bracelet as a gift.
Seven children and young people from four countries also had their wishes granted over the weekend as Diego from Switzerland, Sasha, Alessandro and Davide from Italy, joined Margarida on a unique guided Paddock tour, getting up close and personal with the stars of the sport at the iconic ‘Temple of Speed’, the Autodromo Nazionale in Monza.
Finn's wish to meet Max Verstappen
Over four days in March 2024 nine Australian and five New Zealand wish children shared in a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they had their wishes granted. The Formula 1® superfans embarked on a VIP experience of driver and team meet and greets, pit walks, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours.
13-year-old Finn is amongst the group and had his wish granted on Thursday 21 March, when he met his idol, three-time World Champion, Max Verstappen. 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.
News & Media
Formula 1® and Make-A-Wish®️ International create powerful Grand Prix Experiences for Wish Families at FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2023
(12th September 2023) Seven children and young people from four countries also had their wishes granted over the weekend as Diego from Switzerland, Sasha, Alessandro and Davide from Italy, joined Margarida on a unique guided Paddock tour, getting up close and personal with the stars of the sport at the iconic ‘Temple of Speed’, the Autodromo Nazionale in Monza.
Read more about the wishes granted at FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2023
FERRARI TRENTO FORMULA 1® PODIUM BOTTLES SIGNED BY DRIVERS TO BE AUCTIONED ON F1® AUTHENTICS FOR MAKE-A-WISH ® INTERNATIONAL
(March 26, 2024) Renowned Italian sparkling wine, Ferrari Trento, is to auction a selection of official signed bottles from the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship on the F1 Authentics site, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish International.
Full Ferrari Trento release here
Formula 1 and Make-A-Wish to make wishes come true at Grands Prix for critically ill children
(16 June 2023)
Formula 1 has announced its support of children’s charity Make-A-Wish to grant life-changing wishes and unforgettable experiences to children living with critical illnesses.
Through its support, F1 will invite eligible wish children and their families into the Paddock at Grands Prix throughout the season, providing unique behind-the-scenes opportunities and the chance to watch the action unfold on track.
For any press inquiries, please contact:
Niamh Ryan
Senior Manager, PR and Communications ,
Make-A-Wish International
[email protected]
Inga Stracke
Pole Position Reports®
[email protected]