Michael Schumacher’s first F1 race-winning car goes under the hammer, the car that changed Formula One forever set to bag millions

The Formula One car that delivered Michael Schumacher his first grand prix victory is expected to fetch more than $7 million at auction. The historic Benetton B192-05 could attract huge interest from collectors when it goes under the hammer later this month. Schumacher drove the car to victory at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1992, a race that proved to be a turning point of his career.That win came in difficult, rain-soaked conditions at Spa-Francorchamps and marked the beginning of Schumacher’s rise to greatness. Over the years, he won seven world championships and recorded 91 race victories, setting records that stood for more than a decade.The Benetton B192-05 is expected to sell for more than $7.38 million at the Global Icons: Europe Online auction, which opens on January 23. Experts believe its value comes from both its racing success and its place in Formula One history. The car not only delivered Michael Schumacher’s first win but also represented the end of an important era in the sport.Yves Boitel from Broad Arrow Auctions explained the car’s importance. He said the vehicle is one of the most famous machines ever seen in Formula One. He added that it signaled the beginning of one of the greatest F1 careers of all time and also marked the final chapter of manual gearboxes at the highest level of motorsport.Schumacher’s achievements after that breakthrough were remarkable. He became a global sporting icon through his success with Benetton and later Ferrari. Away from the track, Schumacher’s life changed dramatically in December 2013. He suffered a serious skiing accident while crossing an off-piste area in the French Alps. Despite wearing a helmet, he hit his head on a rock and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Doctors later said the safety equipment likely saved his life.He was airlifted to Grenoble Hospital, where he underwent two operations and was placed in a medically induced coma. Schumacher was brought out of the coma in June 2014 and later returned home to Switzerland to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been seen in public since the accident, which happened just over a year after his retirement from Formula One in 2012.The upcoming auction serves as a reminder of Schumacher’s extraordinary legacy and the moment it all truly began.Also Read: Former F1 team owner Peter Sauber reveals Lewis Hamilton’s F1 career nearly took a turn away from McLaren as he almost signed for them