Michael Schumacher’s Final Formula 1 Car to Be Auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York, Expected to Exceed $22.5 Million
The last Formula 1 car driven by racing legend Michael Schumacher, a 2006 Ferrari 248 with chassis number 254, will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York from November 14 to November 19. Known for its historic victories on the track, this car is expected to sell for over $22.5 million, marking a potential new record for an F1 car driven by Schumacher.
A Piece of Racing History: Ferrari 248 Chassis 254
This Ferrari 248 is one of only eight built for Schumacher’s final season with Scuderia Ferrari. Notably, it’s one of just four Ferraris from Schumacher’s era with five or more victories, achieving wins at prestigious races such as the San Marino, European, United States, French, and German Grand Prix in 2006. Schumacher, a seven-time world champion and widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers in history, set an all-time pole position record with this car, achieving his 66th pole at the 2006 German Grand Prix, surpassing Ayrton Senna’s record.
Auction Details at Sotheby’s and Record-Breaking Potential
The auction for this legendary car will run from November 14 and conclude at 5:00 PM New York time on November 19 at Sotheby’s New York. Shelby Myers, Sotheby’s Head of Sales, commented, “There are many cars that Schumacher drove to victory, but only a few truly define his legacy, and this is one of them.” The car’s estimated value is $15 million, yet its historical significance could potentially challenge the current record for a Schumacher-driven Ferrari F1 car, which was set by a Ferrari F2003 with chassis number 229, sold for 14.63 million Swiss francs at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2022.
The Ferrari 248’s Unique Provenance
This 2006 Ferrari 248 has a unique provenance, having been purchased directly from Ferrari in December 2007. It was certified by the Ferrari Classiche Red Book in 2008, confirming it retains its original engine, gearbox, and exterior paint, with no transfers since its purchase. Notably, it was also the first Ferrari of the modern F1 era to use a V8 engine, replacing the previous season’s V10.
A Singular Auction with Competitive Legacy
If the Ferrari 248 surpasses its $15 million estimate, it may still fall short of the highest-ever auction price for an F1 car. That record is held by the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R, driven by Juan Manuel Fangio, which sold for £19.6 million (approximately $645 million) in 2013. Nevertheless, Schumacher’s 2006 Ferrari 248 remains an icon in racing history, and collectors and F1 enthusiasts eagerly await the possibility of it setting a new record at Sotheby’s.
