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.

A group of five people, including one person in a wheelchair, pose and smile for a photo at a sunny outdoor event in front of a racing pit lane with DHL branding and other attendees in the background.

Finn’s Wish, 2024: Lights out and away we go

13-year-old Finn’s wish was granted o 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.

Two men stand next to each other smiling. Both wear white Mercedes caps; one wears a white Mercedes shirt. They are indoors near large windows, with other people visible in the background.

Hosam’s Wish, 2018: From meeting his idol to racing triumphs

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 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.

A young boy covers his ears while standing in front of a Formula 1 car in a garage, surrounded by team members in gray Mercedes uniforms.

Kaden’s Wish: Racing dreams lived and realised

Kaden’s wish to go to Australian Grand Prix was granted in 2013. Kaden is 19 now and enjoys good health, but when he was 6, he had a severe cardiological condition and required a heart transplant. When we reached out to him in 2024, he said:

“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

Read full press release here

A man in a racing team shirt and white cap stands in front of a dark background. His shirt has logos, and the text overlay reads PIERRE GASLY ALPINE 10.

Pierre Gasly on the Importance of Make-A-Wish International’s Work

Read full press release here

Three smiling young people wearing Ferrari shirts and event lanyards pose together in front of a large Pirelli Formula 1 sign. One raises his hand, and all appear happy and excited.

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