2013 Mercedes W04 F1 Car Of Lewis Hamilton Sold For $18.8 Million
Giancarlo Perlas November 24, 2023Mercedes-Benz has been very busy during the Las Vegas Grand Prix week. Despite the disappointing result of the race for its Formula 1 team, a consolation comes in the sale of the W04 car used by Lewis Hamilton in 2013. Early on, the car was appraised to fetch around $10 million to $15 million but it surpassed expectations when it eventually sold for a whopping $18.8 million.
Mercedes W04: A Catalyst for Lewis Hamilton’s F1 Success
The spotlight of the RM Sotheby’s auction on November 17 in Las Vegas falls upon the Mercedes W04 chassis #4, a vehicle that witnessed Lewis Hamilton clinch his first win for the AMG Petronas team. The 2013 season marked a pivotal moment in the soon-to-be seven-time champion’s career as he transitioned from a six-year tenure at McLaren to join forces with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.
This major shift culminated in Hamilton dominating the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he emerged victorious after starting from pole position. The car, etching its place in history, went on to secure additional podiums in Malaysia, China, and Belgium, propelling the Briton to a commendable fourth-place finish in the 2013 Drivers’ Championship.
Surpassing of Estimates
What sets this auction apart is the staggering price tag attached to the Hamilton-driven masterpiece. Chassis #4 was initially anticipated to command a price between $10-$15 million, but the bidding war at the Sin City shattered all expectations, culminating in a final sale price of $18.8 million.
This astronomical figure not only underscores the fervor surrounding F1 but also positions Hamilton’s 2013 Mercedes as a coveted gem in the world of motorsports collectibles.
The Auction Extravaganza in Las Vegas
The stage for this record-breaking auction was none other than the Wynn’s Awakening Theater in Las Vegas, a fitting venue for the grandeur of such a historic event. The proceedings were presided over by the charismatic TV presenter and writer James Corden, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the already thrilling affair.
The auction, though relatively small with only 39 lots, showcased the breadth of F1 memorabilia’s allure, ranging from race suits to iconic Ferraris.
Other Notable Sales
As the gavel fell and the dust settled, attention turned to other notable sales of the evening. A Ferrari race suit purportedly worn by Michael Schumacher during his 2003 Italian Grand Prix victory fetched a noteworthy $102,000.
However, not all lots found new homes, with a 1990 Ferrari F40 GT failing to meet its reserve and a Lando Norris replica going under the hammer for $10,800, the proceeds of which were earmarked for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
A Glimpse into Formula 1 Auction History
The sale of Hamilton’s 2013 Mercedes now stands as one of the highest in the annals of Formula 1 auction history. While the 1954 Mercedes W196R still holds the record at $29.6 million, the recent sale reaffirms the enduring allure of these racing artifacts.
Interestingly, the most expensive competition car ever sold was also a Mercedes, with an unraced 300SLR ‘Uhlenahut Coupe’ sportscar prototype changing hands in a private deal for a staggering $143 million.
Final Thoughts
The sale of Lewis Hamilton’s 2013 Mercedes F1 car in the vibrant city of Las Vegas has etched itself into the history books of motorsports auctions. The high figure achieved not only reflects the charisma of F1 but also underscores the enduring legacy of one of the sport’s greatest icons.
