Michael Schumacher’s 2001 Ferrari F2001 for sale

Sotheby’s auctions are known for high-class collection and culture.

Millions of dollars’ worth of art, jewellery, wine, and watches usually fall under the hammer just as cars do at an RM Sotheby’s auction.

But one vehicle is jumping across from one to the other. Rather than go for auction at RM’s, Michael Schumacher’s 2001 Ferrari F2001 is being sold as modern art.

And art it is.

The naturally aspirated V10 F1 car boasts in excess of 600kW and an 18,500rpm redline to make anyone weep with joy. And that redline is only just out of reach of peak power – 17,300rpm.

Weighing in at the regulation 600 kg minimum, the carbon-fibre composite monocoque still wears its livery.

It’s also the car that won the 2001 constructors’ and drivers’ championships, with Schumacher at the wheel.

It will feature at Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction in New York on November 16.

The buyer will still be able to use the car, as Sotheby’s says “Ferrari can house the car in Maranello and transport it worldwide for pre-arranged Corse Clienti events as well as private track days.”

“The Ferrari F2001 we are unveiling in Hong Kong is one of the most important and valuable modern Formula 1 race cars in history,” says Kenneth Ahn, president of RM Sotheby’s.

“This very car secured Ferrari their 11th of a record 15 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championships and Michael Schumacher his fourth of an unmatched seven Drivers’ Championships, placing it among the best of the best in the world of motorsport.

“It is our great pleasure to offer this car during Ferrari’s 70th anniversary year, a year in which the legendary marque also won its first Monaco Grand Prix since Schumacher secured his final Monaco victory in 2001 in chassis 211.”