14 critically-ill children from Australia and New Zealand saw their wishes come true at the FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024. Finn, Coby, Rebecca, Tayla and Jemma met with 3-times World Champion Max Verstappen and got some of their favourite memorabilia signed by the Red Bull superstar before they sat down with him and asked him many questions about racing. Kobe, Caleb and Jordan met with famous Ferrari race engineer Jock Clear and up-and-coming Ferrari Driver Academy star and F2™ driver Oliver Bearman, whilst Jeremy, Alex and Oliver met hometown hero Oscar Piastri. All the children and their families then got to enjoy the action-packed third race of the season on the grandstands in Melbourne Albert Park.
In April, Make-A-Wish entered a generous collaboration with renowned Italian sparkling wine Ferrari Trento, the Official Toast of F1® and the Italian luxury sparkling wine used in all Grand Prix™ podium celebrations. This year, fans across the world can support Make-A-Wish by taking a one-of-a-kind piece of the Grand Prix home with them: 16 Ferrari Trento F1® Podium Jeroboam bottles will be up for auction this year, signed by the top three drivers from each race after the podium celebrations. Matteo Lunelli, CEO and President of Ferrari Trento comments: “Philanthropy is a value close to the heart of Ferrari Trento, so we are honoured to be supporting Make-A-Wish this year.”
In May, 6 children diagnosed with critical illnesses saw their wish granted at the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2024 where they joined a special paddock tour inside the Miami Dolphins stadium and met some of their favourite drivers, including race winner Lando Norris, who signed autographs and took selfies with them, before they settled into their grand stand seats together with their families for the weekend. “I got to see history made!” said Victoria, one of the wish child after Lando’s win on Sunday, “I still can’t believe it is real”.
In July, Make-A-Wish will celebrate the launch of a new collaboration with GP Management, the organisers of the legendary Grand Prix Ball. The July 3rd event at The Peninsula Hotel, London promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, star-studded appearances, and a stunning display of iconic F1® cars, all in support of Make-A-Wish. The Grand Prix Ball will feature special guest appearances from the world of racing. “This event is a celebration of the glamour and excitement of Formula 1, and we are proud to support Make-A-Wish, helping to grant the wishes of critically-ill children,” said Jonny Dodge, CEO of GP Management.
Starting the following day, 16 wish children will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2024, where they will meet current F1 drivers, go on a behind the scenes Paddock tour and watch the action unfold on the grandstands, thanks to F1®.
The trackside wish granting is part of Make-A-Wish’s mission to create life-changing wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. When children are living with critical illness, so much of normal childhood is taken away from them — it is exhausting, both emotionally and physically. A wish gives children the opportunity to look outside their illness — it helps them reclaim their childhood. With the help of the racing community, F1® and Pole Position Reports, Make-A-Wish was able to grant 52 incredible F1® wish experiences in 2023, with more scheduled for 2024.
Luciano Manzo, President & CEO, Make-A-Wish International said: ”We thank everyone at Formula 1, Ferrari Trento, and GP Management for helping us make wishes come true and bringing joy to countless children. Make-A-Wish and Formula 1 are committed to this collaboration, and last year we saw a new record of F1 wishes granted, giving wish children the opportunity to be inspired and get closer to the incredible world of Formula 1. The profound impact of our mission on children with critical illnesses and their families drives us forward, and the unwavering support from F1, Ferrari Trento and GP Management, is both heartwarming and inspiring.”
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