When Corey Tutt was told the logo for his organisation Deadly Science was going to be put on McLaren's F1 cars for this week's Australian Grand Prix, he thought someone was playing a practical joke on him.
F1 livery is prized real estate usually occupied by the world's biggest brands that spend millions of dollars to be there.
This weekend, the charity that provides science books and early reading material to remote Australian Indigenous communities will have its logo beamed around the world.
"I was in a pub when I drew the logo on a napkin and now it will become a world-renowned logo.
"McLaren has also handed over their social media account with 9.1m followers to share the story of Deadly Science."
It is fitting McLaren will display an Australian not-for-profit on its car because Australian Daniel Ricciardo is one of the team's two drivers.
"I can't wait for the fans to see this, it's going to be awesome," Ricciardo said.
How it happened
This F1 season, McLaren sponsor Smartsheet is donating its space on the car to worthy not-for-profit organisations.
Ricciardo said the advertising space was being used "to tell the world about work that matters".
The logo was originally only going to feature on the side of the car, but McLaren decided to add it to the halo as well — the safety ring around the driver's head which also displays sponsorship.
"It's something that has never happened before — companies pay millions of dollars to have their brand on an F1 car and the fact this charity that is grass roots and born and bred in the Illawarra is going to be on a car is unbelievable."
The Deadly Science logo is also likely to appear in the next series of Netflix's smash hit series Drive To Survive as they film the current F1 season.
Mr Tutt has been given VIP access to this weekend's Grand Prix and he will be taking one of his students.
"I want to let the mob embrace the experience and this opportunity so they can take it back," he said.
F1 move gives organisation more confidence
Mr Tutt is on a mission to get young Indigenous students to see themselves as scientists.
He says seeing a logo they know appear as part of such a high-profile event brings credibility.
"We're setting a high standard for ourselves to get resources out there to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
