McLaren Racing and the Mental Health Foundation are calling on people in London to take part in a virtual Silverstone challenge and help raise vital funds to prevent poor mental health.
The reigning Formula 1 Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Champions are asking people to complete virtual laps of the famous Silverstone circuit and raise money to support the Mental Health Foundation’s vital work to prevent poor mental health. Throughout September, participants can walk, jog, run, cycle, wheel, or dance a distance equivalent to one lap, 5.9km, anywhere they choose. Just one virtual lap is the challenge. Every extra lap is a bonus. So, whether people do one lap, ten laps, or 100 laps, it all counts.
Alexa Charnley, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Mental Health Foundation, said: “We’re so happy to partner with McLaren Racing to bring this fun challenge to people in London and beyond. Whether you take on one virtual lap of Silverstone or aim for a full Grand Prix distance, every kilometre completed and every pound raised will help support better mental health. It’s a great way to get active, connect with others, and make a real difference.
“Mental health problems are not inevitable. As the UK’s only charity dedicated to preventing poor mental health, we work to tackle the root causes before problems develop. By taking part, supporters will help us create a future where everyone has the opportunity to have good mental health.”
The challenge officially starts on 1 September, and people can sign up online at mentalhealthfoundation.sync.giving/mclaren-racing-challenge. On registering, participants will be given their own challenge page where they can track their distance and fundraising. People are also invited to the challenge Facebook page where they can chat to other participants and share progress.
Participants who reach fundraising milestones will also be eligible for exclusive challenge rewards (subject to availability). Those who raise £10 will receive a free T-shirt, the first 250 people to raise £75 will receive an exclusive McLaren Racing x Mental Health Foundation water bottle, and those who raise £150 will receive a Mental Health Foundation medal.
The top fundraiser will win a pair of tickets to the FIA World Endurance Championship’s 6 Hours of Silverstone in April 2027, including behind-the-scenes access with the McLaren Hypercar team. Everyone who raises £300 or more will be entered into a prize draw with two winners also each winning a pair of tickets with behind-the-scenes access. Entrants must be aged 18 or over with a UK postal address.
Everyone deserves good mental health. All money raised from the challenge will go towards the Mental Health Foundation’s work to prevent mental ill health before it starts.
Sign up to the McLaren Racing 5.9km challenge at mentalhealthfoundation.sync.giving/mclaren-racing-challenge
