The sound of a screaming V10 once echoed through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, carried by the car that defined a generation of Formula 1 dominance. That car, Ferrari F2001 chassis 211, piloted to victory by Michael Schumacher at the 2001 Monaco Grand Prix, is making a dramatic return to the site of one of its most iconic triumphs.
RM Sotheby’s will offer the legendary machine at auction during the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, marking the first time an F1 car will be sold at the Grand Prix itself. This is more than a sale—it is a symbolic homecoming, one that ties together motorsport history, Ferrari heritage, and the legacy of one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers.
Chassis 211 is not just another piece of racing history. It played a decisive role in securing Schumacher’s fourth Drivers’ World Championship, as well as Ferrari’s Constructors’ title, completing the team’s first back-to-back championship double. It was this very car that Schumacher drove to a flawless win on May 27, 2001, in Monaco, a circuit known for its unforgiving turns and glamorous backdrop.
Later in the season, the same chassis carried him at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he and Ferrari officially clinched both titles. Its combination of performance pedigree and historical significance makes it one of the most revered modern Grand Prix Ferraris ever built.
This isn’t the first time this iconic car has crossed the auction block. RM Sotheby’s previously offered chassis 211 in New York back in 2017, where it fetched an impressive $7.5 million—more than doubling the previous record for a modern-era F1 car at auction. Since then, its value has only grown, both financially and symbolically.
Ferrari undertook a comprehensive restoration of the vehicle in 2024, returning it to full running condition. As a result, the winning bidder will not just take home a museum-worthy artifact, but a machine capable of roaring to life on the track once again. The car is eligible for Ferrari’s exclusive F1 Clienti program, allowing private owners to drive championship-winning F1 cars under factory support.
For those attending the Monaco Grand Prix, the Ferrari will be displayed in the prestigious Paddock Club starting Friday, May 23, giving guests a rare, up-close look at the machine that once ruled these very streets. The auction itself will take place just before qualifying on Saturday, May 24, injecting a layer of anticipation and excitement into what is already the sport’s most celebrated weekend.
RM Sotheby’s expects that the car’s return to its victorious stomping grounds, combined with its championship history and pristine condition, will ignite fierce bidding from collectors around the world. Adding to the emotional weight of the sale, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Keep Fighting Foundation, continuing Michael Schumacher’s charitable legacy. Whether as an investment, a collectible, or a living monument to racing glory, chassis 211 represents the ultimate fusion of speed, history, and passion.
[All images – Sotheby’s]
