On November 9th, there is a rare opportunity for Formula 1 fans in Geneva: the auction house RM Sotheby’s is auctioning off the legendary Ferrari F2003 GA with chassis number 229. In racing, the vehicle is regarded as the most successful racing car in Formula 1 history to date. Michael Schumacher drove exactly this Ferrari nine times – and won five races. Schumacher also won his sixth world title in this car, which earned him a place in the Hall of Fame.
Many millions of dollars
The auction could also set records. Most recently, a 1998 Ferrari F300 from Schumacher’s racing team went under the hammer (read more here) for $6.2 million plus fees. The 1998 car was also a real record car, but its successes are no comparison to the achievements of the F2003 GA.
On the occasion of the auction, RM Sotheby’s put his son Mick Schumacher behind the wheel. It was obviously a special pleasure for him to be able to drive his father’s successful race car. And he drives well too, says Mick. The car is very light, very loud and very emotional. When his father drove the car, Mick was just four years old.
When asked whether the car belongs in a museum or on the race track, Mick has only one answer: of course the vehicle has to be driven! But with a price tag of several million US dollars, it would be difficult to find someone who is not meticulous about preserving the legendary car.
Lighter and above all louder
Schumacher sees the main difference between his modern car and the racing oldie in the weight. The F2003 GA weighs just 605 kilograms including the driver, while Mick’s current car, a Haas VF-22, tips the scales around 200 kilograms more. According to Schumacher, the sound cannot be compared with modern engines either. That seems to have impressed him enough that he wants the V10 back, he says. Mick is currently driving a supercharged V6 with 1600 cubic centimeters – four cylinders less and half the displacement.
The Ferrari F2003 GA Chassis 229 was last fully overhauled by Ferrari in 2022. The car has clocked 148 miles on the track since its retread. However, hardcore fans might be irritated by the missing Marlboro advertising, which is clearly visible on the wings and engine cover in the photos from that time. It seems as if the car is going to be auctioned with components that were then only used in countries with a ban on cigarette advertising.