Daniel Ricciardo’s 2024 Australian Grand Prix Helmet Competition Reveals Australiana Theme

• 60 aspiring Australian artists given opportunity to design Daniel’s helmet.
• Melbourne art school student chosen as winner.
• Charity auction to raise money for Save the Children Australia.

Optus has provided twenty-year-old art student from Melbourne, Rosie Pettenon, the opportunity to design F1™ driver, Daniel Ricciardo’s, racing helmet for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.

A driver’s helmet is one of their most prized assets and the designs are something they take great pride in. Optus engaged 60 nominees from the FIFA Women’s World Cup Inspiration Grants program providing them with the chance to prove their own artistic flare with a competition to design Daniel’s helmet for the iconic race.

Nominees, identified as having a passion for the arts, were given a brief of ‘identifiably Australian optimism’ to interpret. Entrants were provided a template then asked to share a hand drawn or digitally designed helmet along with an explanation about the inspiration behind the artwork. Seven finalists were then selected to participate in an art education and briefing session at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Rosie incorporated Australian gums, wattle and Kangaroo paw, the floral emblem of Daniel’s home state of Western Australian within the design. Hidden symbols such as the Honey Badger, Daniel’s racing persona, and kangaroos were integrated to represent Daniel’s family.

The helmet will be auctioned with money raised donated to Save the Children Australia for kids in need. The funds will be used primarily via the Hands on Learning program.

Rosie Pettenon, artist, said, “I am so blown away to be a part of such a cool project. I knew it was an amazing opportunity and having my design chosen was a dream come true.

“I was super flattered that Daniel was keen on keeping the design true to my own art practise, one that I am so passionate about sharing.”

Rosie worked with paintbrush artist and Daniel’s helmet designer, Jens Munser, who turned her design into the helmet artwork to be worn at this year’s Australian Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo, Optus’ Chief of Optimism said, “During my career I've worn plenty of helmet designs, all crafted by talented artists, and most with a meaningful message, but it's the first time I've given a chance for a member of the public to design it.

“My helmet has always been that creative outlet, it's really the only canvas we have, especially in a sport so driven by numbers and analytics. Being able to collaborate with emerging Australian artist, Rosie, and with Optus providing this platform to showcase her design talent, it's really put a huge smile on my face.”

Mat Tinkler, CEO of Save the Children Australia said, “We are delighted that Save the Children has been chosen as the charity partner for this exciting collaboration.

“The funds raised will go to support our work with children across Australia, in particular our Hands on Learning program, which has proven success in helping students at risk of disengagement from school.”

You can watch Daniel Ricardo and see the helmet on the track at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on Sunday, 24^th March.

 
ENDS

Media contact:

Nicole Higgins
Optus Corporate Affairs
02 9037 8179
media@optus.com.au