Record-breaking auction price for Micheal Schumacher's Ferrari - Ferrari driven by Michael Schumacher fetches highest price ever at auction sale
In the prestigious Paddock Club, nestled alongside the legendary Monaco Grand Prix racetrack, the Ferrari F2001, driven by seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, was auctioned off by RM Sotheby's. This car was instrumental in Schumacher's victory in Monaco and Hungary in 2001, contributing to his fourth world championship title.
The hammer fell on the F2001 at an astonishing price of $18.17 million, making it the priciest Formula 1 car ever sold, driven by Schumacher. The New York Times reported this significant achievement.
The event saw collectors, aficionados, and the curious alike engage in bidding wars, with the auction taking place for the first time during a live Grand Prix weekend. Bids started at $9 million, with a keen battle ensuing both over the phone and among in-person bidders. The final bid was placed onsite by an anonymous bidder.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit the "Keep Fighting Foundation," which supports Schumacher's ongoing philanthropic work. Since his severe skiing accident in December 2013, the racing legend has largely remained out of public view, with details about his health condition remaining private.
Comparatively, Schumacher's F2003, also auctioned for $13.2 million in 2022, previously held the record for the most expensive Schumacher-owned vehicle. Historically, the F2001 ranks fourth among the most expensive Formula 1 cars ever sold, with the Mercedes W196 Streamliner, driven by motorsport greats Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, topping the list at $52.52 million.
Formula 1 vehicles are prized not only for their engineering excellence but also for their association with iconic drivers and championship-winning seasons. These cars serve as valuable collectibles, capturing key moments in the storied history of the sport.
I'm not sure if I'd find the same excitement in a Formula 1 auction as I do watching football matches in European leagues, but the allure of owning a piece of history like the Ferrari F2001 is undeniably enticing. Despite thePrice it fetched, Schumacher's F2001 still ranks fourth among the most expensive Formula 1 cars ever sold, a testament to the iconic status of both the driver and the car.
