The iconic car that propelled Michael Schumacher to his first Grand Prix victory is expected to fetch over £7 million at auction. The Benetton B192-05, in which Schumacher triumphed in the challenging conditions of the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see him become a seven-time world champion and secure 91 race wins—a record that stood for more than ten years.
This historic vehicle will be featured in the Global Icons: Europe Online auction, set to kick off on January 23, with estimates suggesting it could sell for more than £7.38 million. Yves Boitel of Broad Arrow Auctions emphasized the significance of this car not just for Schumacher’s career but also for the evolution of Formula 1, stating, “This is undoubtedly one of the most famous cars in F1 history. It signified the start of one of the greatest F1 careers of all time and marked the end of the glorious era of manual gearboxes at the pinnacle of motorsport.”
Schumacher, now 57, has not made a public appearance since a tragic skiing accident in 2013 left him with a serious traumatic brain injury. The accident occurred when he fell and hit his head on a rock, and while he was wearing a ski helmet, the severity of the injury led to him being placed in a medically induced coma after two surgeries. He eventually regained consciousness in June 2014 and has been undergoing rehabilitation at his home in Gland, Switzerland.
The auction of the Benetton B192-05 not only celebrates Schumacher’s legacy but also serves as a reminder of the impact he had on the sport and the continued interest in Formula 1 history.