Williams launches 'Sparkles' F1 merchandise after Carlos Sainz podium with proceeds to fan Thea
Williams has launched a 'Sparkles' merchandise collection inspired by the unicorn sticker gifted by young fan, Thea
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 via Getty Images
The Williams Formula 1 team has launched a new merchandise collection centred on the now-viral ‘Sparkles’ sticker that Carlos Sainz received from a fan ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. With some of the collection already sold out, the team has confirmed that a portion of the proceeds from the sales will go to the family of the fan, Thea.
Sainz and his team-mate Alex Albon responded to fan questions in a social media video posted on 13 September. One young fan named Thea asked the Spanish driver if she should name her toy unicorn Sparkles or Sprinkles and if he would put a unicorn sticker on his helmet for the rest of the year, something he agreed to.
Keeping his word to Thea, Sainz arrived at the Baku City Circuit for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with the new addition on his helmet. The Grove outfit leaned into the ‘power’ of the sticker after Sainz secured his first podium finish with the team in the race.
"There's one more thing that is actually quite special," team principal James Vowles said during a post-race video, as he turned the trophy around to point to the sticker. "I'm pretty sure either Sparkles or Sprinkles had something to do with this as well at the same time. So, that's staying, I assume, for a little while."
Sainz added, "Until the end of the year, for sure."
The 31-year-old returned to the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the Singapore Grand Prix with the sticker, where he drove into a points-paying position in 10th after starting from the back of the pack.
The Williams Sparkles collection features six T-shirt designs in pink, white and blue. The listings confirm: "As seen on the track and the podium, Sparkles the Unicorn makes her dazzling debut in the Atlassian Williams Racing collection. A portion of all revenues will go to Thea and her family."
Sainz currently sits 12th in the drivers' standings with six race weekends remaining of the 2025 season.
Share Or Save This Story
Kimi Antonelli earns praise from former F1 driver after Miami GP battle with Lando Norris
Alex Albon on why the Miami GP has won him over after Williams points finish
Emerson Fittipaldi reflects on "fantastic" reunion with championship-winning McLaren M23 in Miami
Carlos Sainz isn’t “going to criticise it anymore” – but still says 2026 F1 rules are “not good enough"
Carlos Sainz: Miami-spec Williams is the F1 car we should’ve had from opening race
Why some F1 team bosses think drivers shouldn't have a say in the rules
Williams F1 confirms “sizeable” upgrade package planned for Canadian GP
Alex Zanardi: The man whose name is a synonym for “hero”
Why it will 'take time' for Williams to cut weight off its heavy 2026 F1 car
Alex Palou: “I love that we’re getting some heat” after hearing boos
Katherine Legge focused on results, not milestones in Indy-Charlotte Double
How Max Verstappen pulls the strings for his GT3 team even on F1 weekends
The exclusive club Katherine Legge hopes to join with historic 'Double' attempt
The paradox of change as F1 2027 decision nears
Top 10 F1 drivers of the 1950s
How F1's planned 60-40 power split for 2027 will affect each manufacturer
"It's only going to get better" - How Audi is responding to rocky start to F1 2026
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments