Rare car exotica wows the crowds at The Quail 2024
The Quail's 2024 edition proved again why its concours, exhibits and auctions are becoming so popular – there are few out there to match it
A 1990 Senna helmet leads the amazing F1 memorabilia line-up in RM Sotheby’s Paris sale
Formula 1 equipment used by three legendary world champions could be yours with an incredible range of memorabilia going under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s Paris sale on February 6.
The line-up is led by a helmet sporting those famous yellow colours used by Ayrton Senna in the 1990 season on the way to the second of his three F1 drivers’ championships, driving his McLaren-Honda MP4/5. It comes complete with a radio and a certificate from Senna’s manager during his karting days Angelo Parrilla, whom Senna gifted the helmet. It is expected to fetch between €80,000 and €120,000.
There also is a host of Michael Schumacher memorabilia going under the hammer, starting with a helmet of his own worn by the seven-time champion in the 2005 French Grand Prix, where he finished third. It’s even been signed by Schumacher, and is expected to change hands for between €40,000 and €50,000.
You also can bid for the rear wheels – in traditional Ferrari gold – driven by Schumacher in the 1997 season in which he battled for his first Ferrari championship against Jacques Villeneuve’s Williams, missing out in a dramatic final-race showdown in Jerez. Those are expected to go for between €4000 and €5000.
For a similar price you also can bid for a rear wing beam from Schumacher’s Benetton in the 1994 season-closing Australian Grand Prix, wherein he clinched his first drivers’ title amid controversy after a clash with Damon Hill’s Williams. The beam was dislocated from his car in a qualifying crash – it’s anticipated that it will raise between €3000 and €5000.
More: Pat Symonds on Senna, Schumacher, Alonso
And last but by no means least, among the Schumacher pieces, there is a paddle-shift steering wheel signed by Schumacher and used by him in the 1993 and ’94 F1 seasons, including in the ’93 Monaco, San Marino, Spain, and British Grands Prix. He took three podium finishes in these races while in the fourth, at Monaco, Schumacher retired from the lead. That steering wheel expected to go for what looks a bargain at €2000 to €3000.
In addition you can get your hands on a set of Fernando Alonso’s Renault overalls from 2006. It’s believed that Alonso wore the overalls that year – the second of his two title-winning seasons – for press events. It comes with a set of matching gloves and boots. This set is also expected to sell for between €2000 and €3000.
The similar-looking overalls of his then-Renault team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella – also believed to have been worn for press events in 2006 – are going under the hammer as well, and are anticipated to bring in €1500 to €2000.
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