Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari 248 F1 car is set to hit the auction block at RM Sotheby’s this November, with expectations suggesting it could fetch over $15 million, according to a report by Planet F1.
The Ferrari 248 F1 is renowned for being the machine the seven-time Formula One champion piloted during his final season with Ferrari in 2006. It secured five Grands Prix victories, including notable wins in the San Marino, European, United States, French, and German Grands Prix. These triumphs were part of Schumacher’s determined push for an eighth World Championship, a quest that ultimately saw him narrowly defeated by Fernando Alonso.
The 2006 season was marked by the fierce rivalry between the German and Spanish drivers, the latter of which drove for Renault and claimed back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006.
Under the hood, the Ferrari 248 featured a powerful 2.4-liter V8 engine, delivering an estimated 750 horsepower. The car also boasted advanced aerodynamics and electronic systems.
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The car was acquired directly from Ferrari by its current owner and holds the distinguished Ferrari Classiche Certification, which it received in 2008.
The auction will be conducted by RM Sotheby’s under a Sealed auction format. This confidential bidding process is often used for rare and valuable items, ensuring an exclusive and discreet purchase experience for potential buyers.
Market interest in Schumacher’s F1 cars has remained high over the years. Previous models from 2001, 2002, and 2003 have been sold for significant sums, each exceeding £5 million.
The record for the most expensive F1 car is currently held by the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R, which sold for approximately $29.6 million in 2013. More recent sales include that of the Ferrari F2001B, with estimates ranging between $8-10 million in August 2024.
Fan interest in Schumacher has remained strong since his F1 retirement at the end of 2012. During his extensive career in Formula One, Schumacher achieved seven world championships, 91 race wins, 155 podium finishes, and 68 pole positions whilst driving for teams such as Jordan, Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
The German driver has not been seen publicly since a horrific skiing accident in December 2013 left him in an induced coma until the following summer. Schumacher has since continued his recovery in the comfort of his home but the family has kept health updates to a minimum to maintain his privacy.
Recently, reports emerged that Schumacher may have been present at his daughter, Gina’s, wedding which took place at the family home in Mallorca. However, his attendance at the event has not been confirmed.
