Michael Schumacher’s iconic 2006 Ferrari 248 F1 is set to go under the hammer this November, with drivers able to get their hands on a piece of motorsport history.
The legendary F1 car, which played a pivotal role in Schumacher’s final season with Scuderia Ferrari, will be offered during Sotheby’s Marquee sales of Modern and Contemporary Art.
This extraordinary machine, known as chassis 254, secured five Grand Prix victories and eight podium finishes in total and stands as one of the most successful cars from Schumacher’s tenure with Ferrari.
The 248 F1 holds immense historical value, being one of the last Ferraris driven by Schumacher before his departure from the team, making it a cornerstone of modern Formula 1 history.
The affinity between Michael Schumacher and Ferrari has been compared to that of Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls, Wayne Gretzky with the Edmonton Oilers and Tom Brady with the New England Patriots.
The 2006 Ferrari 248 F1 boasts an impressive racing record, securing victories at the San Marino, European, US, French, and German Grands Prix and three second-place finishes in Spain, Great Britain, and Canada.
Notably, chassis 254 was the vehicle in which Schumacher surpassed Ayrton Senna’s pole position record, achieving both his final pole position and final Grand Prix win on his home German soil.
Commenting on the upcoming auction, Shelby Myers, Head of Private Sales at RM Sotheby’s, said the Ferrari 248 was “among the most important of all time for generations to come”.
She added: “In the world of motorsport, Michael Schumacher’s name is accurately used to define the pinnacle of racing – synonymous with greatness, which we often hear referenced.
“There are, however, cars that Schumacher drove and perhaps won a race or two in, and then there are the few cars that truly define his legacy, such as chassis 254. When we peel back the layers, very rarely does a Schumacher-era car carry as much weight as this one.”
The 248 F1’s appeal extends beyond its performance, having been part of a distinguished private collection since leaving the track.
The car retains its Ferrari Classiche Red Book Certification and comes with an extensive dossier of records, historical photographs, and history.
The 2006 Ferrari 248 F1 will be on display in New York City from November 8 until November 20, offering enthusiasts a chance to view this piece of motorsport history, with bidding closing on Tuesday, November 19.
The auction is being conducted through Sotheby’s Sealed, a platform designed for high-value items, which ensures discretion and allows serious collectors to place bids confidentially.
The car’s first and only private owner purchased it directly from Ferrari in 2007, with RM Sotheby’s not listing a price for the historic vehicle.
As a cornerstone of Schumacher’s legacy and a vital piece of Formula 1 history, the Ferrari 248 F1 is expected to generate significant interest among collectors and motorsport enthusiasts alike.
Myers continued, saying: “Never before has anything carrying the Schumacher name come to public sale with more wins or podium finishes.
“In fact, there is only one other chassis with more wins than chassis 254. In his last season with Ferrari, this car defined the legacy of perhaps the greatest driver in history, competing with one of the most storied automotive brands of all time. It truly does not get better.”
