Soon after the turn of the millennium, a blistering street race underlined a rivalry that has come to define Formula One’s legacy. The Grand Prix de Monaco represents the pinnacle of theatre within the sport and in 2001, the event made an indelible mark on automotive history.
British F1 legend David Coulthard faced off against German racing royalty Michael Schumacher in a race characterised by the intense competition between the respective teams. Helmed by Coulthard, the 2001 McLaren MP4-16 was going up against Schumacher’s Ferrari F2001.
Backdropped by the gleaming yachts and sand-toned towers of Monte Carlo, Schumacher was victorious and secured his fourth win for that season. This was compounded by a win at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Schumacher would also earn the F1 Championship title, making it a truly unforgettable year for Ferrari. These two race-proven vehicles, which went head-to-head on the streets of Monte Carlo, are now available via upcoming RM Sotheby’s auctions.
On 22 May 2025, an auction in Milan will decide the future of the McLaren MP4-16. The event will take place in the Fonderia Macchi Carlo – a former industrial building that has been converted into a grand events space. Having previously hosted fashion shows featuring works from the likes of Valentino and Gucci, it is an apt setting for the sleek lines of the F1 cars of yesteryear. The event will feature several additional standout lots including a 1932 Alfa Romeo by Pininfarina and a rare 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
Two days later, on the eve of the Grand Prix de Monaco, a special event in Monte Carlo will feature an auction to determine the owner of the iconic Ferrari F2001. Below, we look at each of the two vehicles in more detail and consider their racing pedigree.
2001 Ferrari F2001 – ‘The Schumacher Crown Jewel’
Finished in the iconic Rosso Corsa, the F2001 speaks to a bygone era of racing. This particular vehicle, chassis 211 of the F2001, is the only Ferrari driven by Schumacher to secure victory at the Monaco Grand Prix and the World Championship in the same season – cementing its place as the crown jewel among his F1 cars.
Powered by a roaring V-10 engine capable of reaching a thunderous 17,000 rpm, the F2001 represents the peak of Formula 1’s most sonorous era. Ferrari’s engineering “super team” consisted of Jean Todt, Rory Byrne, Ross Brawn and, to some extent, Michael Schumacher himself.
The 211 chassis was victorious at the 2001 Hungarian Grand Prix, where Schumacher sealed his fourth Drivers’ title and Ferrari captured the Constructors’ Championship. This earned back-to-back title doubles for the first time in the history of Scuderia Ferrari.
In the 2001 Grand Prix de Monaco, Schumacher achieved such an extraordinary lead that he coasted through the final sector allowing teammate Rubens Barrichello to catch up – creating an iconic moment at the finish line and a true Scuderia statement.
The embodiment of speed, power and finesse, this lot presents the opportunity to own the original red racecar. Recently remastered by Ferrari, this chassis is now presented in full running condition, ready for its next chapter in Corse Clienti or private collection use.
2001 McLaren MP4-16
One of just seven cars built for the 2001 F1 season, the outstanding 16A-05 chassis of the McLaren MP4-16 was driven by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard. He was seen as the obvious challenger to Schumacher and outpaced his Finnish teammate Mika Häkkinen to complete his most decorated season. Of the 65 points he amassed, 24 were earned aboard chassis 16A-05.
This vehicle was a standout in qualifying, scooping pole positions at both the San Marino and Monaco Grand Prix. Designed by Adrian Newey and Neil Oatley, it helped Coulthard conquer the 2001 Austrian Grand Prix with poise and precision.
Despite having qualified in seventh position due to a rear instability caused by a headwind, an overcut strategy (waiting longer than Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello to pit) led to a victory over the Ferrari team with a lead of 2.2 seconds. A poignant win, the 2001 Austrian Grand Prix took place the day after the tragic death of Paul Morgan, the co-founder of Ilmor Engineering – the firm that worked with Mercedes-Benz to create the MP4-16’s 3-litre V-10 FO110K engine.
The 16A-05 chassis recorded the fastest race laps in both Austria and Monaco, highlighting its power and agility on the sport’s toughest tracks. It was also driven by two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen to a podium finish in Canada. It was later adapted to the MP4-16B specification for testing by F1 race winner Jean Alesi. Following its competitive career, the car remained in McLaren’s possession until 2020 when it was purchased by a private owner. The vehicle is offered in non-running condition and fitted with a display engine. The 16A-05 chassis MP4-16 represents a rare lot with considerable racing provenance.
