Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo showcased his creative side in a heartwarming charity initiative.
The ever-popular Ricciardo's return to his home turf for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix did not yield the on-track result he craved, finishing a lowly 12th, but he did find a way to delight his home crowd.
Before the Australian GP, Ricciardo revealed that Optus were running a competition for Aussies to design his home race helmet, saying in a LinkedIn post, "I'm looking for a young Aussie artist who can bring to life the theme of Australian optimism."
The winning entry was 20-year-old Australian artist Rosie Pettenon, who made a design that was a celebration of Ricciardo's homeland.
The design incorporated iconic Australian flora - gums, wattle and Kangaroo paw - the floral emblem of Ricciardo's home state of Western Australia.
These elements were interwoven with equally recognisable symbols of the country - playful kangaroos, a classic windmill silhouette, and, of course, a cheeky honey badger - a nod to Ricciardo's well-known nickname.
Commenting on the design in his LinkedIn post, the Australian driver said, "I love the helmet. I think Rosie did a tremendous job. And what's really cool is Lloyds running an online auction for it. All the proceeds will then go to Save The Children."
The auction proved to be a resounding success, with the final bid reaching an impressive $61,000 (around £49,000), a significant contribution that will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of many children.