“Danke Seb”: F1 drivers’ special helmets for the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Ever-changing helmet designs became a trademark of Sebastian Vettel’s style when he dominated Formula 1 in the early noughties, so of course he was going to come up with a special one for his ‘final lap’ as a grand prix driver.

Here’s what he and his rivals are wearing this weekend – including those who’ve copied his style in tribute to the four-times champion.

Sebastian Vettel’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

Vettel invited his fans to bid through an auction to have their faces appear on the helmet he will use for his final grand prix. They’ve been arranged to form his familiar German tricolour layout.

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Fernando Alonso’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

Fernando Alonso will wear a helmet matching Vettel’s style as a tribute to the driver he fought for the 2010 and 2012 championships until the final rounds – both won by Vettel.

“Danke Seb,” said Alonso on social media. “One last time sharing the track with you. It will be emotional and sad at the same time, but I wish you all the best for your next chapter.”

Mick Schumacher’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

Vettel has a close relationship with Mick Schumacher, his fellow German driver who will also bowing out of F1 after this weekend’s race, having lost his seat at Haas. Schumacher will also sport a Vettel-style helmet.

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Charles Leclerc’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

At the end of a season which promised so much for Ferrari to begin with, Charles Leclerc is saying thank you to his team with a design featuring the Italian flag and the names of many team members.

Pierre Gasly’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

Having driven for AlphaTauri (previously Toro Rosso) in every season since 2017, Pierre Gasly will bid the team a fond goodbye after Sunday’s race as he moves to Alpine for next year. His split design acknowledged both AlphaTauri and sister outfit Red Bull, who Gasly drove for in the first half of 2019.

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Daniel Ricciardo’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

Another driver on move for next year is Daniel Ricciardo. He says “the little honey badger is back,” on his latest lid. “Well, the crypto-punk version.”

Zhou Guanyu’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

Zhou Guanyu brings his first season of F1 to an end with his latest one-off design.

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Carlos Sainz Jnr’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

Carlos Sainz Jnr’s special helmet is designed to reflect the lights during Sunday’s night race.

Kevin Magnussen’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

Surprise Brazilian Grand Prix pole-winner Kevin Magnussen has done much the same with his sparkling silver design.

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Pietro Fittipaldi’s 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helmet

Pietro Fittipaldi only ran in first practice but made a slight change to his helmet design, adding the names of a few of his less well-known family members.

2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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