Haas F1 Team and Starlight Children’s Foundation team up to spread happiness to kids in hospitals
November 1, 2022
In the lead-up to the US Grand Prix weekend in Austin Texas, Haas F1 Team, the only American Formula 1 racing team, and the nonprofit Starlight Children’s Foundation teamed up to bring some joy to young patients at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin.
As part of the Haas F1 team’s commitment to supporting Starlight’s mission of delivering happiness to seriously ill kids and their families through multiple synergies, today’s event at Dell Children’s is one of many hospital visits planned at U.S. race events, like the United States Grand Prix in Austin this weekend. Personnel, including drivers and key representatives, visited and engaged with hospitalized kids and distributed goodie bags. On Thursday, the team will host an exclusive program for children receiving treatment and their families to attend the pre-race at Circuits of The Americas for an unforgettable experience away from the hospital. Additionally, throughout the year, children will have access to live Q&A sessions and lessons with staff, immersing themselves in the world of motorsport, specifically focusing on STEM subjects.
Haas F1 drivers Mick Schumacher and Kevin Magnussen joined Aimee Finn, senior director of marketing and community engagement at Starlight, and interacted with pediatric patients through play, games, and arts and crafts. A highlight of today’s collaboration was the opportunity for young patients to challenge the Formula 1 drivers in a classic game of Mario Kart on a Starlight Gaming Station, one of Starlight’s innovative program offerings.
Mick Schumacher, driver for Haas F1 Team, said: “It’s very important that whenever we’re in the States we connect with Starlight to see how we can support their mission. Before the start of a busy home Grand Prix, it felt right to first to visit the children at Dell Medical Center. Everyone was in good spirits and their families were truly inspiring. It was fun to hand out some gifts as well so that the kids will be fully representing Haas this weekend!”
Kevin Magnussen, driver for Haas F1 Team, said: “It’s great that we’re able to visit children while they’re receiving treatment but also some families are able to come to COTA and experience a day they will remember for a long time. The team is excited about hosting our special guests this week and I think it’s great that Haas F1 Team is able to give back to local communities in the US. With more races in the States next year, we’ll have even more opportunities to do so.”
Starlight and Haas F1 Team plan to visit more hospitals in each city hosting the U.S. F1 races in the coming years to bring fun and laughter to sick kids who need it most.
“We are incredibly grateful and honored to partner with Haas F1 Team to bring the thrill and excitement of racing to kids in hospitals at U.S races. Today’s event is a great example of how the Starlight and Haas F1 collaboration brings happiness to kids by transforming the hospital stay, helping improve the well-being of young patients,” said Finn.
According to Starlight, the child life team at Dell Children’s and other Starlight hospitals play an integral role in connecting Starlight programs to pediatric patients coping with injuries, surgeries, and illnesses. Through the Starlight Hub, the nonprofit’s online platform, child life specialists can request programs – from Starlight Gaming to Starlight Deliveries of toys and games – as distraction tools for patients to help reduce stress and anxiety caused by hospitalization. Starlight ships the products to the hospital free of charge if the inventory is available.
To learn more about the partnership and Starlight Children’s Foundation, please visit starlight.org/ haasf1team.