There was a time when Formula 1 drivers were recognized by their helmets and not just the number, which has changed in recent times. With the helmets plastered with sponsors nowadays, gone are the days of simple and elegant designs that added to a character’s brand identity. Whether it’s Ayrton Senna’s dazzling yellow tribute to Brazil, or it’s Michael Schumacher‘s Ferrari-inspired red design, the drivers sure used to know how to create eye-catching designs!

One of the most iconic helmets to ever grace the paddock belongs to none other than the British legend, Graham Hill. Although he began his motorsport journey in his mid-20s,  he stormed the grid in the 60s, becoming a two-time Formula 1 world champion! A man with an unshakable determination to win, his helmet design came to be loved by every British motorsport enthusiast.

The only driver ever to be awarded the ‘triple crown’ title by winning all three races as well as the F1 title necessary for the unofficial monicker, fans were delighted when it was announced that some of his prized possessions would be up for auction at RM Sotheby’s London sale, on the 4th of November.

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The fans couldn’t stop swooning over Hill’s helmet design under a post shared by the two-time champion’s son, Damon Hill. A simple design that paid homage to the London Rowing Club, which his father had competed nationally for before motorsport, was sold at a record-breaking price of $142,000!

Fans relive Graham Hill’s glory days after RM Sotheby’s auction

A total of 59 items from Graham Hill’s glory days were included in the Auction, along with a winner’s cheque for the 1966 Indy 500 and the 1969 Monaco winner’s trophy. But the item that created the most buzz was Hill’s iconic helmet!

“No surprise to see how valued that is 👏 Instantly recognisable unlike today’s paint shop explosions! 💥 🎨” – This Twitter user was quick to point out today’s driver helmets that are bursting with details and sponsor logos, the time when drivers would stick to one design throughout the season is long gone!

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“There’s a helmet. Then there a helmet in appropriate colours. Then there’s all of the above but WITH a peak – that’s iconic!” – Graham Hill’s helmet incorporated the oars from the London Rowing Club on a Prussian Blue canvas, it spoke miles of the class the British racer portrayed. Even Sebastian Vettel thinks of Graham Hill when he was asked in a one-word interview, which driver seemed to have the most class.

Another user chimed in, “So iconic colors 🥰” 

“Please tell me you made a bid!” – This user was desperate to find out if Damon Hill had tried to bring his father’s helmet home.  Though he didn’t, we are sure he has quite a few back at home!

“Wow.” – A Hill fan was left speechless at the insane auction that just happened.

“triple crown and one helmet 👏👏👏👍” –  All through his career, Graham Hill’s stuck by his helmet design. He had already established himself as a legend, having won the Monaco GP, Indy 500 and a world title. But After winning the 1972 Le Mans, the Briton had achieved the feat only gifted to him – The Triple Crown

“There was a thread on here the other day about the old iconic helmet designs. Such a shame that drivers don’t stick with a helmet design anymore.” – Whilst fans were swooning over Hill’s helmet, a thorn that kept stinging F1 enthusiasts was the loss of elegant helmet designs to today’s marketing shenanigans.

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It’s safe to say that the value that comes with being as iconic as Graham Hill has not gone unnoticed. Reflecting the fan’s desire to see cleaner helmet designs, we hope that the drivers take a page out of the father-son duo’s book!