For the kids: Valtteri Bottas 'delighted to auction' helmet designed for Australian GP

Valtteri Bottas may be sporting a mullet in the early parts of the 2023 Formula 1 season, but the Alfa Romeo driver is still as dedicated to his social outreach responsibilities as ever.

For this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, Bottas will sport two helmets with unique designs, with one being auctioned off after the race.

The team's official charity partner, Save the Children, will gift the raised funds to two Australian organisations that serve the indigenous communities: the Mooroopna Kinder Project (MKP) and Koorie Academy Basketball (KAB).

MKP serves families who struggle to put their children in kindergarten, while KAB supports Aboriginal children who face challenges regarding sports inclusion.

"Australian culture and history are something I have taken a keen interest in in recent years, especially through my partner, Tiffany, who is from here, and we were committed to paying a special tribute to the indigenous community," Bottas said.

"The Australian GP marked the perfect occasion to bring to life, not one, but two incredible helmet designs whilst raising funds for those in need, together with the team's official charity partner, Save the Children."

Local artist for the design

Bottas, known for his unique helmet designs, roped in the services of artist Ricky Kildea, a dedicated and passionate Aboriginal consultant.

Kildea is known for linking his cultural identity to unique artworks on the footballs used in Australian Rules, but agreed to undertake Bottas' two helmet designs.

"I was thrilled to paint two special helmets for Valtteri ahead of the Australian GP. I am proud of my Aboriginal identity - and painting for me is a way of strengthening my connection to it," Kildea said.

The helmet Bottas will use in Sunday's