Last Wednesday 10th July, the traditional annual Grand Prix Ball was once again held at the beautiful Hurlingham Club in West London on the eve of the British Grand Prix, which saw Lewis Hamilton win his sixth British Grand Prix, becoming the most successful British driver to win his home race.
Now in its ninth year, the black-tie Grand Prix Ball played host to a mix of motor racing enthusiasts and celebrities who enjoyed a heady mix of racing car demonstrations and delicious three-course dinner all in aid of The Prince’s Trust. Thousands of pounds were raised at the auction that took place during dinner, which all goes to help young people aged between 11 to 30 who are either unemployed or struggling at school and help transform their lives and embrace exciting new opportunities.
The Grand Prix Ball itself was founded back in 2011 by ex-Formula One driver David Coulthard, former race team owner Eddie Jordan and Red Bull Team boss Christian Horner. Eddie Jordan once again put in his customary appearance and was photographed alongside one of his old Jordan Formula 1 cars that was on display, which no doubt brought back many a memory for the former Formula 1 team boss. The ball is today run by Jonny Dodge, founder of GP Management and his team.
The evening started with a champagne reception where guests and celebrities mingled and chatted amongst the array of luxury sports cars and Formula 1 cars of yesteryear, provided by Officina Caira, including a Jordan 198, an old Senna Toleman TG184 as well as an orange liveried Arrows A21 and Arrows A22 F1 car, a Footwork A11C and a BMW Sauber F1.06.
It was then time for the event’s signature F1 demonstrations on the narrow roads around the Hurlingham Club as engines roared into life and racing overalls donned to break the tranquillity of this West London club and thrill the guests.
Award-winning German Mezzo Soprano Friederike Krum also entertained guests prior to dinner outside in the grounds.
Some of the fantastic auction items offered this year included a framed signed Rafa Nadal shirt, donated by Rafa Nadal and Official Chelsea 18/19 shirt, donated by Chelsea Football Club.
There was also a British Pullman train experience, donated by Belmond British Pullman, a stay at Copocabana Palace, donated by Belmond Copacabana Palace; a stay at Mount Nelson Cape Town, donated by Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel; a two-night break at a Croatian 5-star hotel, donated by the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj; a one night stay in a suite at Chewton Glen, donated by Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa; a one night stay in a suite at Cliveden Hotel, donated by Cliveden House and a Sopwell House midweek retreat, donated by Sopwell House.
On the motor racing front, there was a Unique Pirelli Silverstone F1 trip, donated by Pirelli and a Mercedes AMG F1 HQ tour, donated by Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. A framed Daniel Ricciardo Race Suit was, donated by Red Bull Racing whilst a Framed Mika Häkkinen race suit was donated by McLaren.
Once dinner was over, the music started with DJs and live music to entertain the guests until the wee small hours of the morning.
Next year’s Grand Prix Ball will take place at The Hurlingham Club once again, on Wednesday 8th July 2020.
Editorial by Simon Burrell, Editor of Our Man On The Ground Travel & Lifestyle and photographs by Pietro Recchia, a London-based photographer specialising in fashion, portraits and luxury events.
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