F1 Ferrari driven by Michael Schumacher up for auction: up to €7.5 million expected

While the world of Formula 1 is already looking ahead to the regulatory revolution of 2026 (still a few weeks away!), a mythical page in the history of the discipline is resurfacing. In Paris, on January 28, 2026, RM Sotheby's will be auctioning a single-seater... Ferrari directly from Michael Schumacher's golden era: the Ferrari F310 B from the 1997 season. Estimated at between 5.5 and 7.5 million euros, this car alone embodies the Scuderia's rise to power before its hegemony of the early 2000s.

1997, a pivotal season for Ferrari

The year 1997 occupies a special place in the modern history of Scuderia Ferrari. Schumacher was already the undisputed team leader, but the world title still eluded Maranello. The F310 B, an evolution of the F310, marked a technical turning point. Initially designed by John Barnard, it was the last F1 Ferrari to be built under his direction in the UK, before operations were completely repatriated to Maranello. The arrival of Ross Brawn as Technical Director, accompanied by Rory Byrne, under the guidance of Jean Todt, laid the foundations for future titles. The F310 B is the first example of this transition.

The 179 chassis

The car up for auction isn't a Ferrari show car stuck in a museum. It's chassis number 179, one of the two most advanced examples of the F310 B. Lighter, more agile, with an enlarged fuel tank for greater strategic freedom in racing, this version represents the pinnacle of the model's development. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter V10 engine developing some 730 hp, the F310 B remains a "pure" F1, from an era when electronics had not yet taken precedence over driving. Of the nine chassis built that season, only a few were entrusted to Schumacher. The 179 belongs to this extremely select group.

Schumacher's shadow

Chassis 179 made its first official appearance at the 1997 Belgian Grand Prix. Schumacher used it in qualifying before switching to another chassis, better suited to the tricky conditions on Sunday, marked by historic rain and a start behind the safety car. The car was then entrusted to Eddie Irvine, Schumacher's loyal lieutenant. At the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Irvine finished eighth after a lacklustre but solid race. A few weeks later, at the Austrian Grand Prix, the story turned to chaos: a collision with Jean Alesi led to the Ferrari's retirement, marking the last race appearance of chassis 179.

From competition to the most exclusive collections

After being used as a reserve car at several end-of-season Grands Prix, chassis 179 was withdrawn from official activities. Ferrari sold it to private collectors in 1999. It went on to enjoy a very active life, notably within the prestigious Ferrari F1 Clienti program, before joining the Audrain Auto Museum in the United States. A highly symbolic moment: in 2019, the car returns to the track at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driven by Robbie Kerr to celebrate Michael Schumacher's 50th birthday.

Certified Ferrari Classiche since 2007, the F310 B chassis 179 is accompanied by its precious "Red Book", guaranteeing its authenticity and the concordance of its engine, gearbox, chassis and bodywork numbers. Several period pieces complete the package, further enhancing the appeal of this single-seater for the most demanding collectors.

At a time when the value of historic F1 cars continues to climb, this Ferrari stands at a crossroads. For a price comparable to that of a modern XX hypercar, it offers direct access to one of Formula 1's most legendary eras. Owning an F1 Ferrari is already a rare privilege. Owning an F1 Ferrari driven by Michael Schumacher is almost a myth. Chassis 179 embodies the era when Ferrari, still imperfect but already formidable, was preparing to dominate the sport for almost a decade.