It is now the most expensive F1 car of modern era sold at auction.
In 2012, Michael Schumacher’s Formula One history came to an end. The legendary racing driver was able to record seven championships, 91 wins and 155 podiums. He also earned 1,566 career points. This made him one of the most successful drivers ever to take the wheel. One of those seven championships was won in 2001, while driving the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro F2001. This legendary racer could fetch some serious cash when it goes up for auction.
Schumacher’s F2001 Ferrari will be up for auction as part of the RM Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening, which takes place in New York on November 16, 2017. This racer, chassis number 211, is one of the most iconic and historic F1 cars. It won two Grand Prix victories during the 2001 season. This car would be a great addition to any collection.
Although it will be the centerpiece of RM Sotheby’s Contemporary Art sale in New York, the racer can still be driven at full speed, especially at historic racing events. The Ferrari Maranello facility will be available to the new owner, as well as transport and pre-arranged Corse Clienti events, together with private track days.
The Ferrari will also be on display prior to the F2001’s auction. It will be displayed from Thursday September 28th to Tuesday October 3rd at the RM Sotheby’s Hong Kong Autumn Sales Week and then again at the Ferrari’s 70th Anniversary Celebration at Rockefeller Center, New York, on October 8 and 9.
RM Sotheby’s did not give an estimate of the sale price. However, reports suggest that it could sell for up to $4 million. Since 2015, this is the first time a collector’s vehicle has been offered at an RM Sotheby’s art auction.
Gregoire Billault Head of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art, said that Ferrari’s 70th Anniversary celebrations were a great opportunity for them to offer Michael Schumacher’s Grand Prix-winning Ferrari F2001. “Ferrari & Schumacher are two of the most recognizable names in motor racing. They have a place in the public’s imagination as the best in their field. We are proud to offer the car that is the pinnacle in contemporary art alongside greats like Basquiat, Warhol, and Johns.