New attempt for auction of Lewis Hamilton’s first F1 car

The McLaren car in which Lewis Hamilton drove his first F1 test laps is to be auctioned off in Las Vegas, Auto Motor und Sport have reported. After the first attempt at selling the vehichle failed in August, perhaps the auction in Las Vegas next week will be more successful. The auction is being organised by RM Sotheby’s.

Lewis Hamilton’s first F1 car to be sold in Las Vegas

On 16th August, RM Sotheby’s began an auction for the sale of the McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21. It was estimated to fetch around £2.5 million (over $3 million), but the car failed to attract a new owner. During the Formula 1 event in Las Vegas, there will be another opportunity for enthusiasts to have a chance at owning the 18-year-old car.

The McLaren car for the 2006 Formula 1 season was made with a Mercedes engine. While the car did not bring much luck as no races were won in it, as was a first for McLaren who since 1996 had won a race every year until 2006, Hamilton did drive his first test laps in it.

Villeneuve on Hamilton at Ferrari: He could be “forever unbeatable’

Former Formula 1 driver Jacques Villeneuve believes Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was right for him to do. Hamilton has won six out of seven of his world championships with Mercedes. Villeneuve says that if he wins one at Ferrari, he will be “forever unbeatable” in terms of the legacy he will leave behind.

The announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 shocked the racing world. Many questioned why he would leave, but to Jacques Villeneuve, it made sense. Villeneuve says that “winning again with Mercedes would not really serve any purpose”, as he has already done that six times.

Hamilton’s future at Ferrari

Regarding a legacy, Ferrari and Hamilton have left their mark on Formula 1. Villeneuve spoke with Grosvenor Sport about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, which he made sense of as they are both iconic in their own ways. “It is a Ferrari. It’s the biggest name in the car or motorsport industry, and Lewis has been the biggest name. So, link the two.”

Hamilton will beat Michael Schumacher’s record if he wins another world championship title. On the topic of an 8th title, Villeneuve mentions, “If he can win with Ferrari, he will be forever unbeatable. That’s it. And he will cement his name. It’s very simple.”

However, he also thinks, “If he doesn’t win with Ferrari, he still has all the records. That would just be the ultimate step. So it’s worth taking the gamble.” Hamilton went under the same scrutiny when he left McLaren for Mercedes in 2013. As this isn’t Hamilton’s first time leaving, Villeneuve trusts Hamilton’s instincts. He said, “Sometimes you go on a hunch, and you jump, and you hope that the other ship is better.”