A race-used helmet worn by Valtteri Bottas during the 2026 Grand Prix in Monaco is currently up for auction through F1® Authentics, offering collectors the rare opportunity to own a uniquely personal piece of memorabilia and meet the Finnish driver himself.

Nicknamed 'Nigel the Badger', the specially designed Stilo helmet was worn by Bottas during one of the most prestigious weekends on the Formula 1® calendar. The winning bidder will also receive a private meet & greet with the Cadillac F1® Team driver, during which Bottas will personally sign and hand over the helmet.

While race-used helmets are highly sought after among collectors, the story behind this particular design makes it an especially unusual piece of modern Formula 1® memorabilia.

The Story Behind Nigel the Badger

The helmet takes inspiration from an unlikely visitor to Bottas' Monaco home, where he and his partner, professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, are regularly greeted by a badger they have affectionately named Nigel.

According to reports, Nigel makes frequent evening visits to the couple's home, where he enjoys cat food left out for him. The animal has become such a familiar presence that Bottas has jokingly referred to Nigel as his pet badger.

Designed by Cromwell specifically for the 2026 Grand Prix in Monaco, the helmet features a distinctive black-and-white paint scheme recreating the appearance of a badger's face.

The design also features minimal branding, with only Bottas' race number 77, the Finnish flag and the Cadillac crest accompanying the badger-inspired artwork.

The result is a one-off design with a personal connection to Bottas' life away from the circuit, offering a different perspective on a driver known for his distinctive personality both on and off the track.

A Unique Piece of Cadillac's First Season

The helmet was worn during Cadillac F1® Team's maiden Formula 1® campaign, with Bottas having returned to the grid in 2026 as one of the American team's inaugural drivers.

Bringing his experience to the new constructor alongside Sergio Perez, Bottas has played a role in establishing Cadillac during its first season competing at the highest level of motorsport.

Worn around the streets of Monte Carlo, the helmet carries a direct connection to one of the calendar's most recognisable circuits, as well as an important year in the history of the American team.

A Private Meeting with Valtteri Bottas

Beyond the opportunity to own the race-used helmet, the auction offers an experience rarely available to collectors.

The winning bidder will be invited to a private meet & greet with Bottas, where the Finnish driver will personally sign the helmet before handing it over to its new owner.

This gives one collector the opportunity to hear from the driver behind the distinctive design and receive the very helmet he wore during the 2026 Grand Prix in Monaco.

The 'Nigel the Badger' helmet is currently available to bid on exclusively through F1® Authentics, the official Formula 1® memorabilia platform operated by Memento Exclusives.

Bidding closes on Sunday 25th October 2026.

Travel and accommodation are not included in the meet & greet experience and must be arranged and purchased separately by the winning bidder.