It must have been a rare view for Amsterdam inhabitants today, with Daniel Ricciardo taking his former Formula 1 car for a spin on the Amsterdam canals. The remarkable ride unveiled the new online auction ‘A Decade of Daniel’ by Scuderia AlphaTauri on Catawiki, the online marketplace for special objects. The auction celebrates Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career and features several objects from his legacy, offering fans the opportunity to own a piece of racing history. Part of the proceeds of the special auction will be donated to the not-for-profit foundation Wings for Life, which is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.
The grandeur of the event was palpable from the start. As attendees, we felt the anticipation, only to be rewarded with the sight of Ricciardo docking his STR7, reflecting on his reunion with the car, “This is the car I spent my first full season in Formula One with. It’s surreal to be back beside it.” This vehicle wasn’t just any car; it was the machine that saw Ricciardo secure his initial points in Formula 1 back in 2012.
The event, orchestrated with panache, was hosted by none other than racing driver and presenter Vicky Piria. In a dedicated Q&A, Ricciardo shared anecdotes, while the curated items from the upcoming auction formed the backdrop. To no one’s surprise, the highlight was Ricciardo’s dramatic entrance, navigating the canals in his STR7, making a grand appearance by boat.
”I remember firing up the STR7 car on race day, it gave me goosebumps. I felt a lot of confidence in that car, I’m so excited to give racing fans the chance to own special objects from the first years of my racing career!
Daniel Ricciardo
Genevieve Tearle, VP of Collectables, shed light on the significance of the partnership with Scuderia AlphaTauri:
“It’s not just an auction. We’re opening up a rich chapter of Formula 1’s history, making it tangible for fans worldwide.”
While Ricciardo’s memorabilia, especially from his milestone 2013 season, is a significant draw, the auction has much more to offer. Collectables from the vaults of Scuderia AlphaTauri and Scuderia Toro Rosso, including pieces linked to Max Verstappen’s 2016 preseason, are up for grabs.
“Being able to put Daniel Ricciardo’s Scuderia Toro Rosso debut car up for auction is something truly special. Especially because this car has now not only conquered the concrete, but also the Amsterdam canals, adding a unique chapter to its journey”.
The ‘A Decade of Daniel’ auction is now live on Catawiki, featuring over 70 coveted items. Fans and collectors can place their bids until September 3rd, 2023. And for those who wish to experience the magic of the day, links to photographs and videos from the event are readily available on Catawiki’s platform.