Winterbottom's special gift to young fan
Mark Winterbottom has surprised a young fan with a special visit ahead of the Beaurepaires Melbourne 400.
Motorsport superfan Isaac was joined by Winterbottom as he got up close with a 2022-spec Formula 1 show car earlier this week.
Isaac, nine, was diagnosed with a type of bone marrow cancer known as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2020.
Team 18 driver Winterbottom spent time with Isaac and his family outside their home in Victoria on Monday.
The meeting was part of a partnership with childhood cancer charity My Room.
It comes as the Australian Grand Prix Corporation announced My Room as the Official Charity Partner of the Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix.
My Room supports patients and families affected by childhood cancer, with the vision to reach a 100 per cent cure rate for the childhood disease.
It marks the third year of the charity partnership for the Albert Park event.
Supercars will return to the Melbourne circuit this weekend for its third round of season 2022.
Winterbottom, a father of three, was delighted to take part in the special moment.
"It was my pleasure to surprise Isaac at his home along with @ausgp and @myroomcc, to help put a smile on his face after a tough run," Winterbottom said.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation's General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Haydn Lane, welcomed the charity back to the Grand Prix.
"My Room has continued to go above and beyond to support children and their families despite the additional challenges they have faced over the past couple of years," Lane said.
"We are honoured to be supporting My Room’s vision again in 2022 and are looking forward to seeing both My Room and Formula 1 racing return to the track this year."
My Room marquees and volunteers will feature across the Grand Prix precinct, accepting donations and raising awareness for their charity.
My Room CEO, Margaret Zita OAM, was excited for the My Room volunteers to be able to share their stories at this year’s Grand Prix.
"My Room Children’s Cancer Charity are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be the Official Charity Partner of this year’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix," she said.
"Our volunteers can’t wait to share our story and raise funds to the fans that will walk through the gates over the four days, so please make sure you look out for our volunteers that have dedicated this time to help the brave children and their families going through their cancer journey.
"After all, it is for all children that we continue to work towards a 100 per cent cure rate. Together we are definitely making a difference."
Winterbottom heads to Albert Park 13th overall, but is just 24 points from eighth in the standings.
Track action at the Beaurepaires Melbourne 400 will commence on Thursday.
Every session of the event will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506 and streamed on Kayo.
The Seven Network will broadcast highlights on Saturday and Sunday.
