Children from hospice Helen & Douglas House join Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the 2026 British Grand Prix

On Thursday 2 July, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS  F1 Team invited three children supported by Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice to an unforgettable behind-the-scenes day at the 2026 British Grand Prix.

From an exclusive tour of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team garage to exploring the paddock and soaking up the race weekend atmosphere the families enjoyed a unique opportunity to experience life at the heart of Formula 1. 

The day was made even more memorable with an exclusive meet-and-greet with drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, giving the children the chance to meet their Formula 1 heroes and creating memories to last a lifetime. 

Helen & Douglas House is the Official Team Charity Partner of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for 2025 to 2027. Since the partnership began, the Brackley-based outfit has raised more than £120,000 for the charity. Through annual charity football matches, internal raffles, bucket collections at the Brackley Fireworks and individual team member efforts that include skydives, treks and running the London Marathon, the team is aiming to raise £200,000 by December 2027.  

For Kayleigh Hiley from Northamptonshire, meeting current championship leader Kimi Antonelli and her racing hero George Russell was the highlight of the day, turning a lifelong dream into reality and creating a memory she and her family will never forget. 

Rachel Kayleigh’s Mum says, "It was just the most fantastic experience, and truly a day that dreams are made of!"

“Anyone who knows our Kayleigh knows she has two great loves, Dolly Parton and George Russell. Some of her first words were ‘racing car’ and she has George Russell spoke guards on her wheelchair.”  

“The last year has been challenging for Kayleigh and our family following complications from her surgery, but her love of F1 has kept Kayleigh smiling throughout her hospital stays. We decorated her room with George Russell posters and we would watch the races together.” 

“Thank you so much to Kimi, George, everyone at Mercedes-AMG Petronas and Helen & Douglas House for giving us lovely memories to look back on."

For more than 40 years, Helen & Douglas House has been helping children to live a full life, whether that life is long or short. The hospice provides vital care to terminally ill children across Oxfordshire and beyond, while giving families the space to create precious memories together.

Funds raised by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team and other supporters contribute towards the £6 million needed each year to provide this vital care. 

Sarah Robson from Helen & Douglas House says, "We would like to say a huge thank you to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for creating this special day for the children and families we support. The team's ongoing support is helping not only the families who attended the British Grand Prix, but countless other children and families who rely on Helen & Douglas House. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership." 

Imogen Tait from Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team says, "We were delighted to welcome Helen & Douglas House to our garage over the British Grand Prix weekend. Being able to share our world with the children supported by the hospice and create such a memorable experience for them was incredibly special. We are so proud to call Helen & Douglas House our charity partner, with our team having now raised more than £120,000 for the families cared for by the hospice." 

If you would like to find out more about the work of Helen & Douglas House and help local children like Kayleigh you can donate at hdh.org.uk.