RM Sotheby’s is auctioning off Michael Schumacher’s F1-2000 race car in Hong Kong from April 1 to 5 with a reserve price of between US$7.5 million to US$9.5 million (AU$11.3 million to AU$14.3 million).
The reserve price looks a bit low compared to Schumacher’s F2003-GA which sold for US$14.87 million (AU$22.33 million) in 2022, though it remains to be seen what the winning bid will be.
The car had a short but legendary history and the F1-2000 started the five-year championship reign for Ferrari and Schumacher.
Its revolutionary chassis – nicknamed Chassis 198 – was the main component that ended Schumacher’s drought and consequently transformed his career and Ferrari’s winning championship streak.
In comparison to its predecessor, the F1-200 had a flatter nose area and the engine was fitted at a 90-degree angle rather than its previous 75-degree fitment.
It has a 3.0-litre V10 engine that is capable of pumping out 805hp (600kW) at 17,500 rpm.
The chassis 198 was a new generation for Formula 1 cars and debuted at the opening race of the season in Australia in 2000, hence its name the F1-2000. Schumacher placed first.
Schumacher also placed first in subsequent races in Brazil and Italy before the vehicle had to be retired due to a collision with BAR-Honda’s Ricardo Zonta.
The car was repaired and brought back to the Grand Prix races in 2000 but wasn’t raced again.
After the 198’s career had drawn to a close professionally, the vehicle was returned to Maranello where it was completely rebuilt.
In March 2001 the car was displayed for fans to see at the Geneva Motor Show on Ferrari’s stand.
Later, a Ferrari collector Kevin Crowder from Texas bought the car.
He later certified the vehicle with Ferrari Classiche in 2005 and prepared it for F1 Clienti events.
In 2016, it changed hands again and was driven at several Ferrari Corse Clienti events including events held in Monza in 2017 and Texas in 2020.
The piece of Formula 1 history is now looking for its next owner.
The highest bidder will receive a link to one of the greatest drivers of the modern driving era as well as the historic Scuderia Ferrari/Schumacher five-season winning streak from 2000-2004.
