Michael Schumacher’s double title-winning Ferrari F2001 returns to Monaco for an exclusive high-stakes auction

Few cars in Formula 1 history have embodied dominance like Michael Schumacher’s F2001, chassis 211. This legendary machine played a pivotal role in securing his fourth World Championship title and Ferrari’s first back-to-back Drivers' and Constructors' Championship double. Now, over two decades later, this iconic piece of motorsport history is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix weekend on May 24, 2025.Michael Schumacher’s triumph at the 2001 Monaco Grand Prix remains one of his most memorable victories. It was the only time he managed to claim both the championship and a Monaco win in the same season while driving a Ferrari. His mastery on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo showcased not just his unparalleled skill but also the sheer brilliance of the F2001. The chassis 211 was the very car that propelled him to the top step of the podium in Monaco before securing another crucial win at the Hungarian Grand Prix that season. These victories played a significant role in Schumacher’s dominant title run, which saw him finish a staggering 58 points ahead of McLaren’s David Coulthard.RM Sotheby’s has described the car as one of the most sought-after Schumacher Grand Prix machines, emphasizing its unmatched historical significance. “Utterly unique, chassis 211 stands tall even among the most celebrated Schumacher Grand Prix cars, but none possess the special magic of this car, which not only took the laurels in the oldest and most famous Grand Prix race in the world but also became kingmaker by carrying its driver to World Championship glory,” reads the official listing.Having previously been sold in 2017 for an impressive $7.5 million, the F2001 is expected to command an even higher price this time around. While RM Sotheby’s has not provided an official estimate, given the car’s significance, experts anticipate it could set a new record for F1 car auctions. The sale will take place at 3:15 pm local time, right before the qualifying session for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, making it a fitting return to the scene of its historic triumph.F1 Paddock Club guests will have an exclusive opportunity to get a close look at the car on May 23. As part of the auction proceedings, a charitable donation will be made to Michael Schumacher’s Keep Fighting Foundation, a cause dedicated to perseverance and resilience—values that Schumacher exemplified throughout his career.Augustin Sabatié-Garat, RM Sotheby’s Director of Sales for EMEA, highlighted the importance of the event: “Victory on the streets of Monte Carlo alone would make this a hugely significant Ferrari, but to do so in the same season that it crossed the line to capture both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships—the first back-to-back Championship double in Ferrari history—takes it to a completely different level.”The F2001 was a technological marvel, powered by a 900 bhp 3.0-litre V10 Tipo 050 engine and featuring advanced aerodynamics that made it both fast and reliable. It was a key part of Schumacher and Ferrari’s early-2000s dominance, solidifying itself as one of the most revered machines in F1 history. Its return to Monaco is not just a celebration of its racing past but also a tribute to Schumacher’s enduring legacy in the sport.Also Read: Can Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari overcome ‘lack of trust’ concerns in their partnership?While Schumacher himself has remained out of the public eye since his tragic skiing accident in December 2013, his impact on Formula 1 remains indelible. The auction of the F2001 will not only be a moment of nostalgia for fans but also an opportunity for one lucky bidder to own a priceless chapter of motorsport history.