Formula 1 Driver Alex Albon donates Singapore Grand Prix helmet to support UNICEF’s work for children in Thailand

BANGKOK, October 1, 2025 – Thailand’s sole Formula 1 driver Alex Albon is donating his custom-made helmet – designed for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix – to be auctioned in support of UNICEF Thailand. Funds raised will help improve the lives of the most disadvantaged children across the country.

The helmet, designed by Karlotta Freier and featuring Thai and Asian motifs that celebrate Alex’s Southeast Asian heritage, will be worn by Albon during the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix weekend from October 3-5.  The auction, starting at THB 450,000 (about USD 14,100), is now live at www.unicef.or.th/alex and will remain open until October 15.

Born in Britain to a Thai mother, Albon has raced under the Thai flag throughout his career. From go-karts at age seven to competing with the world’s best, he has inspired children and young people across Thailand. Albon became the first Thai driver on a Formula 1 podium at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix and the first to win in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, a European sports car racing series in 2021. By donating his helmet, Albon is helping ensure more children in Thailand have the opportunities they need to thrive.

“I’m really proud to be teaming up with UNICEF Thailand to auction my Singapore GP helmet and raise funds to support children who need it most in Thailand,” Albon said. “I hope it also helps highlight the important work they’re doing and inspires more people to get involved.”

Albon is the second Thai racing driver to ever reach the heights of Formula 1 fame. The other was Prince Birabongse, known as “Prince Bira”, who competed in 19 Grands Prix between 1950 and 1954 and was also a sailor, pilot, and artist.

Despite Thailand’s economic and social progress during the past decades, many children continue to face significant challenges in life. Nearly 13 per cent of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition, while 40 per cent of Grade 3 students lack age-appropriate reading skills. More than 13 million children are exposed to harmful levels of air pollution every year, and one in seven adolescents is estimated to live with a mental health disorder.

Funds raised through the auction will go directly to UNICEF Thailand’s programmes to address these challenges, including improving access to quality education, protection, and mental health services.

“Every baht raised through this auction will help create sustainable impact for children,” said Severine Leonardi, UNICEF Deputy Representative for Thailand. “We are deeply grateful to Alex for his commitment to giving back and for standing alongside children who need support the most.”

Join the auction at www.unicef.or.th/alex