The 2001 Grand Prix de Monaco was a defining moment in Formula 1, cementing Michael Schumacher’s dominance that season. After claiming victory on the tight, unforgiving streets of Monte Carlo, he went on to win in Hungary and ultimately sealed the Drivers’ Championship, ushering in one of Ferrari’s most celebrated eras. At the heart of that triumph was the Ferrari F2001, a marvel born of Scuderia Ferrari’s most brilliant minds. Across the garage, the fiercest competition came from McLaren’s MP4-16, driven by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard. These titans clashed on the circuit in 2001; now, they return to the spotlight at separate RM Sotheby’s auctions in Europe. No longer rivals on the track, they’ll once again test their mettle: this time, under the gavel.
First, the attention turns to Milan, where style, history, and horsepower collide. On 22 May, the Fonderia Macchi Carlo will transform from a former industrial hub into a stage for automotive elegance, having previously hosted runway legends like Valentino and Gucci. Among the headline acts of this showcase: the very McLaren MP4-16 that Coulthard piloted through one of his strongest seasons, alongside treasures such as a 1932 Alfa Romeo by Pininfarina and a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
Just two days later, Monte Carlo becomes the epicentre once more. On the eve of the Grand Prix de Monaco, the very same Ferrari that brought Schumacher glory will be offered for sale on the legendary street circuit itself, marking the first vehicle auction ever held during the race weekend. It’s a fitting tribute to a car that helped shape racing history.
2001 Ferrari F2001 – The Crown Jewel of Schumacher’s Legacy
Rosso Corsa never looked so purposeful. The Ferrari F2001, specifically chassis 211, is a living testament to a dynasty. This machine captured the Monaco Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix, sealing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in a single, iconic season. No other Ferrari driven by Schumacher achieved this same dual feat, making this chassis the standout of his career.
With its searing V10 engine screaming to 17,000 rpm, the F2001 encapsulates the visceral thrill of Formula 1’s golden sound era. Developed under the stewardship of Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, and Schumacher himself, this car represents the pinnacle of engineering brilliance and competitive dominance. It was the last Ferrari to win Monaco in a championship year - a final flourish before the sport evolved into a new age.
Freshly restored by Ferrari in 2024 and early 2025, this car is presented in running condition, ready for Corse Clienti events or museum-quality display. This symphony of speed, success, and sporting history would truly be the crown jewel of any collection.
2001 McLaren MP4-16
The McLaren MP4-16, chassis 16A-05, emerged from the minds of Adrian Newey and Neil Oatley as a sculpted weapon built for speed and precision. One of only seven produced for the 2001 season, it represented the sharpest edge of McLaren’s challenge to Ferrari’s dominance.
Driven by the formidable David Coulthard, this chassis delivered an unforgettable victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, backed by pole positions at both San Marino and Monaco. Fastest laps, podiums, and high-stakes battles characterised its season, even if Schumacher ultimately remained just out of reach.
The car’s story doesn’t end there. Two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen drove it to third in Canada, while the legendary Jean Alesi later used it for development work in MP4-16B configuration. It stayed within McLaren’s private collection until 2020, when it was acquired by its first and only private owner.
Offered now in non-running condition and fitted with a display engine, this MP4-16 remains an artefact of a thrilling chapter in Formula 1. A piece of McLaren heritage, it symbolises the era when Newey’s aerodynamic mastery defined the grid and the fight for supremacy was as fierce as ever.
