Michael Schumacher’s Winning Ferrari Up for Auction in Geneva

Michael Schumacher’s Winning Ferrari Up for Auction in Geneva
The Ferrari F2003 GA chassis number 229 with which Formula One F1 driver Michael Schumacher won his sixth World Championship title is seen during a preview at Sotheby's before the auction sale, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Nov. 4, 2022. (Denis Balibouse/Reuters)
Reuters
11/6/2022
Updated:
11/6/2022

GENEVA—The Ferrari driven to five race victories by Michael Schumacher during his World Championship-winning 2003 Formula 1 season is being auctioned next week in Geneva, auction house Sotheby’s said on Friday.

The red “Chassis 229” Ferrari raced by German world champion driver Schumacher nine times could fetch up to $9.4 million, according to the sellers.

“It’s ... special because this car is one of the only four cars with more than four wins in the Ferrari history and especially with one of the most skilled driver of his generation, Michael Schumacher,” said Vincent Luzuy, executive assistant to the director of RM Sotheby’s sales.

The Ferrari F2003 GA chassis number 229 with which Formula One F1 driver Michael Schumacher won his sixth World Championship title is seen during a preview at Sotheby's before the auction sale, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Nov. 4, 2022. (Denis Balibouse/Reuters)
The Ferrari F2003 GA chassis number 229 with which Formula One F1 driver Michael Schumacher won his sixth World Championship title is seen during a preview at Sotheby's before the auction sale, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Nov. 4, 2022. (Denis Balibouse/Reuters)

He said the target market were race course buyers, since the car is “track-ready,” as well as art collectors.

Sotheby’s is also presenting eight rare “Fancy Blue” diamonds valued at more than $70 million. This color is the highest possible color grading for blue diamonds and is awarded to no more than 1 percent of blue diamonds submitted to the Gemological Institute of America, Sotheby’s said.

“It is extremely rare and to have a collection of eight it is super exciting,” said jewelry specialist at Sotheby’s Geneva, Marie-Cécile Cisamolo. The diamonds will be offered at auction in Geneva, New York, and Hong Kong and the first one will be offered in the Swiss city on Nov. 9.