Schumacher’s Ferrari F310 B Set to Fetch $6.1M – $8.3M at Auction
Table of Contents
A Formula 1 car with a direct link to Michael Schumacher’s legendary career at Ferrari is heading to auction, offering a rare chance to own a piece of motorsport history. The 1997 Ferrari F310 B, chassis number 179, will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s as part of its upcoming event in Miami on May 6th. It’s estimated value of €5.5 to €7.5 million (approximately $6.1 million to $8.3 million USD).
As the world of Formula 1 looks ahead to the regulatory revolution in 2026, this auction represents a re-emergence of a mythical page in the history of the sport. This particular vehicle embodies the Scuderia’s ascent before its dominant run in the early 2000s.
1997: A Pivotal Year for Ferrari
The year 1997 occupies a meaningful position in the modern history of Scuderia Ferrari. While Schumacher had already established himself as the team’s leader, the World Championship title remained elusive. However, the F310 B, an evolution of the F310, marked a crucial technical shift.
Originally conceived by John Barnard, the F310 B was the last Ferrari Formula 1 car designed under his leadership in Britain, before all production was relocated to Maranello. The appointment of Ross Brawn as technical director,working alongside Rory Byrne under the direction of Jean Todt,laid the groundwork for future championship victories. According to sources, the F310 B served as the initial presentation of this transition.
Chassis 179: A Peak Progress
The vehicle being auctioned is not simply a static museum piece, but chassis number 179 – one of the two most highly developed examples of the F310 B. This version boasted a lighter build, increased agility, and a larger fuel tank, providing greater strategic adaptability during races.
Powered by a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine producing approximately 730 horsepower, the F310 B represented a “pure” era of Formula 1, before the extensive integration of electronic driving aids. Of the nine chassis constructed that season, only a select few were assigned to Schumacher, and chassis 179 was among this exclusive group.
Schumacher and Irvine Behind the Wheel
Chassis 179 first appeared in official competition at the 1997 Belgian Grand Prix, utilized by Schumacher during qualifying. However, due to challenging conditions – historic rain and a safety car start – he switched to a diffrent chassis for the race itself. The car was later driven by Eddie Irvine, Schumacher’s teammate, at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where he finished eighth.
Weeks later, at the Austrian Grand Prix, the car’s racing career came to an abrupt end following a collision with jean Alesi. After serving as a replacement car at several Grands Prix, chassis 179 was sold to private collectors in 1999.
From the Track to Exclusive Collections
Following its competitive career,chassis 179 enjoyed an active life,including participation in the prestigious Ferrari F1 Clienti program. It was later showcased at the Audrain Auto Museum in the USA. A particularly poignant moment occurred in 2019 when the car returned to the track at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driven by Robbie Kerr, in celebration of Michael Schumacher’s 50th birthday.
The F310 B Chassis 179 has been certified as a Ferrari Classiche as 2007, accompanied by its “Red Book” – a document guaranteeing the authenticity of the engine, gearbox, chassis, and body numbers. Several original parts are included with the sale,further enhancing its appeal to discerning collectors.
A Crossroads for a Legendary Machine
As the value of historic Formula 1 cars continues to climb, this Ferrari presents a unique opportunity. Priced similarly to a modern XX-series hypercar, it offers direct access to one of the most iconic periods in Formula 1 history. “Owning a Ferrari Formula 1 is already an extremely rare privilege,” one analyst noted.”Owning a Formula 1 Ferrari driven by Michael Schumacher is almost a myth.” Chassis 179 embodies the era when Ferrari, while still evolving, was becoming a formidable force, poised to dominate the sport for nearly a decade.
