The car that carried Michael Schumacher to his first Formula 1 win in 1992 has been sold for over 8.5 million euros, marking a significant moment in motorsport history. This Benetton Ford single-seater not only represents Schumacher’s triumph at the Belgian Grand Prix but also remains an icon for collectors and Formula 1 enthusiasts worldwide.
The Beginnings of a Racing Legend
One year after a promising debut with Jordan at Spa-Francorchamps, a 23-year-old Michael Schumacher delivered a defining performance in August 1992. Battling heavy rain, Schumacher drove the yellow and green Benetton at Spa, showcasing raw talent and determination. This pivotal race set the stage for what would become a legendary career in Formula 1, and the car itself became a legendary part of that story.
On that fateful day, Schumacher maneuvered the Benetton Ford to victory, taking the chequered flag first against some of the sport’s greatest talents. The excitement surrounding the sale of this car has resonated with elite car collectors, all eager to own a critical part of Formula 1’s modern era. Among the notable names on the track that day were Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, and Mika Hakkinen—giants of the sport whom Schumacher succeeded in outpacing with remarkable composure and skill.
Technical Masterpiece and Racing Rivalries
This Benetton, engineered under the guidance of Rory Byrne, featured the last manual gearbox to win a Grand Prix before the influx of modern racing technologies such as active suspension and semi-automatic transmissions. Schumacher’s feat of executing hundreds of flawless manual gear changes throughout the race highlighted his exceptional mental and physical abilities—traits that would ultimately help him achieve 91 Grand Prix wins over the course of his career.
The car’s powertrain—a Ford Cosworth V8 3.5-litre block producing around 700 horsepower—was renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness, perfectly complementing Schumacher’s style. That season, Schumacher raced alongside British driver Martin Brundle, learning and proving himself throughout the year. Though Nigel Mansell dominated the championship for Williams, Schumacher secured third in the world standings—an extraordinary accomplishment in his first full campaign.
A Cherished Machine Changes Owners
Chassis B192-05, the very car that led Schumacher to his first Formula 1 victory, enjoyed an impeccable history following its racing days. Initially kept at Benetton’s Enstone headquarters within the classic department’s collection, it remained there for years as a tribute to engineering history. In 2015, Laurent Redon, a former Minardi and Benetton test driver, acquired the car through his company LRS Formula. Redon and his team meticulously restored the Benetton, completely overhauling the chassis and reconstructing both the engine and manual transmission to ensure the car retained its original performance and aesthetic.
The vehicle changed hands once more in 2016, moving into the custody of its most recent owner, who ultimately decided to release this symbol of sporting heritage to the auction block. The pristine condition and storied past of B192-05 greatly contributed to the anticipation and excitement surrounding its sale.
Auction Highlights and Exclusive Memorabilia
The Broad Arrow auction, scheduled from January 23rd to 30th, offered more than just Schumacher’s landmark car. Among the coveted lots were exclusive items closely connected to the German driver’s historic ascent, including his original 1994 helmet—personally signed and valued as high as 30,000 euros—his 1995 race overalls, and an autographed replica steering wheel from the 1995 campaign. These artifacts, steeped in the history of Schumacher’s record-breaking feats in poles, podiums, and fastest laps, provided fans and collectors with an unmatched opportunity to own pieces of racing lore.
However, none could rival the significance of the Benetton itself, with its sale price expected to exceed 8.5 million euros. The auction of Michael Schumacher’s first Formula 1 victory car not only commemorates a pivotal moment in his illustrious career but also captures the enduring allure and legacy of motorsport excellence for generations to come.
The start of something special 🤩
Michael Schumacher claimed his maiden F1 victory at Spa back in 1992#F1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/RyEbJeJGAn
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 25, 2024
