A DIE-HARD McLaren cars fan found his loyalties split after winning a signed helmet from four-time world champion racer Sebastian Vettel.
James Barwick, 38, has been a life-long Formula One fan so, when he saw a competition on Twitter to win the helmet, he couldn't resist entering.
However, Vettel drives for Red Bull, a rival team to Mr Barwick's beloved McLaren, whose star driver Jensen Button was ranked 9th in this year's world championship.
The competition was run by Infiniti, the care manufacturer that sponsors the Red Bull racing team.
Being presented with the helmet at Infiniti's Hull branch, Mr Barwick said: since I was a kid.
"To be honest, I respect all the drivers, I don't really have a favourite.
"Vettel has done an amazing job though, no one has been able to touch him, it wouldn't surprise me if he wins the championship again."
However, on his Twitter profile, he lists his favorite drivers as Jensen Button, Lewis Hamilton and Paul di Resta.
His east Hull home is already decked out with a large collection of F1 memorabilia.
However, he said, it is so far all about McLaren drivers. Despite the rivalry, he said Vettel's helmet with be th "centrepiece" of the collection.
"It's, by far, the best thing I've got," he said.
The helmet, used by Vettel to test drive Infiniti cars, was given away in a competition on Twitter. Entrants had to retweet a message posted by the car manufacturer.
More than 4,000 people entered and Mr Barwick was randomly selected as the winner.
Mr Barwick was so shocked at winning, he didn't believe it at first.
He said: "I've entered so many competitions and I never win anything, it's amazing."
He was delighted to have won, tweeting afterwards how much he loved his "early Christmas present."
Mr Barwick is racing around Silverstone himself next year on a special experience day.
He will not, however, be wearing his new helmet, he will instead err on the side of caution and leave it at home.
The helmet was originally going be to posted out to Mr Barwick.
However, Hull is home to one of Infiniti's seven UK showrooms and so local staff decided to present it in person.
Stephen Smith, director of the Hull branch, said: "We're delighted to be able to present this distinctive helmet to James in person.
"We know that James will treasure this valuable prize for years to come."
Mr Barwick's Vauxhall Corsa might not be F1 standard but now he has something to make him stand out on his next trip to the track.
