The Grand Prix de Monaco in 2001 was a race that made its mark on automotive history, securing Michael Schumacher his fourth win for that season. He would follow that up with a win at the Hungary Grand Prix and would also earn the F1 Championship title, making it a legendary year for Ferrari. The vehicle responsible for all of those incredible feats is the 2001 Ferrari F2001, put together by the most skilled design team at the Ferrari Scuderia. Its most significant challenger on the street circuit was the 2001 McLaren MP4-16, driven by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard. Both of these vehicles went head-to-head on the track in 2001 and are now taking the stage in two separate European RM Sotheby’s auctions. Though not a direct clash this time, both events will undoubtedly set new records.
First up is Milan, where the catwalks of high fashion are exchanged out for motorways showcasing an impressive collection of both classic and modern automobiles. The auction is to be held on 22 May at the Fonderia Macchi Carlo, a former industrial building that has been converted into a grand events space and has previously hosted fashion shows featuring the works of Valentino and Gucci, among others. An emblem of Milan’s unique sense of style, it is the perfect setting for an auction of this calibre. Among the lots up for auction are a 1932 Alfa Romeo by Pininfarina, a rare 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, and the McLaren MP4-16 driven by Coulthard in 2001’s racing season.
A mere two days later, on the eve of the Grand Prix de Monaco, Schumacher’s iconic Ferrari F2001 will be offered for sale at the racing circuit in Monte Carlo. This is the first vehicle sale being conducted during the race weekend – an exceptional event that befits an exceptional vehicle.
Below, we take a closer look at each vehicle and its storied street racing history.
2001 Ferrari F2001 - ‘The Schumacher Crown Jewel’
This is the quintessential racecar, with sleek contours finished in signature Rosso Corsa. It is also an icon of Formula 1 racing, and a cornerstone of Michael Schumacher’s legendary career and Ferrari’s golden era. Chassis 211 of the Ferrari F2001 is the only Ferrari driven by Schumacher to secure victory at the Monaco Grand Prix and the World Championship in the same season, making it unquestionably the crown jewel among all of the racing legend’s F1 cars.
This extraordinary machine clinched pole position and victory at the 2001 Hungarian Grand Prix, where Schumacher sealed his fourth Drivers’ title and Ferrari captured the Constructors’ Championship, securing back-to-back title doubles for the first time in Scuderia Ferrari history. It would also go on to be the last Ferrari Formula 1 car to conquer the streets of Monaco in a title-winning year.
Powered by a screaming V-10 capable of reaching an electrifying 17,000 rpm, the F2001 represents the peak of Formula 1’s most sonorous era. Its engineering brilliance came courtesy of the Ferrari “super team” of Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, and Michael Schumacher himself. This quartet reshaped the modern era of Grand Prix racing, producing a car that remains unrivalled in terms of performance and sheer aesthetics.
Recently overhauled by Ferrari in 2024 and the early months of 2025, this chassis is now presented in full running condition, ready for its next chapter in Corse Clienti or private collection use. A masterpiece of speed, power, and history, it stands as a visceral reminder of when Ferrari ruled Formula 1, and Schumacher etched his name into the sport’s highest pantheon.
2001 McLaren MP4-16
This remarkable McLaren MP4-16, one of just seven built for the 2001 Formula 1 season, is a rare survivor from an era defined by intense competition and technical brilliance. It was seen as the biggest threat to Ferrari’s standing at the time, especially when paired with its formidable driver – Richard Coulthard. The Scot outpaced his Finnish teammate Mika Häkkinen to complete his strongest season, and he was seen as the man who was most likely to make Schumacher sweat. It was chassis 16A-05, designed under the visionary direction of Adrian Newey and Neil Oatley, which delivered one of David Coulthard’s most memorable victories by helping him conquer the 2001 Austrian Grand Prix with poise and precision.
It was also a star performer in qualifying trim, claiming pole positions at both the San Marino and Monaco Grands Prix. The car earned a podium at San Marino and recorded the fastest race laps in both Austria and Monaco, underscoring its speed and adaptability on the world’s toughest tracks. It would, however, fail to topple Schumacher, who took the lead at Monaco and guided Ferrari to a banner season.
Adding further pedigree, this chassis was piloted by two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen to a strong third-place finish in Canada, and later evolved into the MP4-16B specification for testing duties with famed F1 race winner Jean Alesi. After its competitive life, the car remained with McLaren until 2020, when it was acquired by its sole private owner.
Now offered in non-running condition and fitted with a display engine, this car remains a significant piece of McLaren heritage. It is a sharp, sculpted embodiment of the era when Newey’s designs ruled the paddock, and McLaren stood at the very heart of the Formula 1 title fight.
