A devoted collector has unequivocally crowned the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time. Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes-AMG Petronas race car from the 2013 season recently commanded a staggering $18.8 million at RM Sotheby’s Las Vegas Grand Prix sale, as reported by The Drive. This monumental figure surpasses the sale price of one of Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari racers by an impressive $4 million margin.

Hamilton’s pivotal decision to join Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport ahead of the 2013 season is poised to etch itself in F1 history as one of the most astute moves ever made. Despite initial skepticism, particularly concerning his partnership with Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s switch from McLaren—where he had already carved out a formidable career, clinching his first driver’s championship and 21 victories—proved to be a masterstroke. With six driver’s championships and 82 wins under his belt, Hamilton’s foresight and strategic acumen are now indisputable.

The car that went under the hammer, chassis W04, holds significant historical value as Lewis Hamilton’s ride for 14 out of the 19 events during the 2013 season. Notably, it was the vehicle he piloted to victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking his inaugural win for the team. Maintaining its original livery from that season—a striking silver and green adorned with vibrant sponsor graphics—adds to its allure. However, its most intriguing aspect lies under the hood: a 2.4-liter V-8 engine, a relic from an era before regulations mandated the switch to hybrid-assisted 1.6-liter V-6 engines the following year.

Surpassing all expectations, Hamilton’s Mercedes-AMG Petronas race car fetched a remarkable $18.8 million at auction, far exceeding RM Sotheby’s initial estimate of $10 million to $15 million. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering that chassis W04 is the only one of Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 cars not owned by the German marque, team principal Toto Wolff, or the driver himself.

Not only did it surpass the auction house’s projections, but it also outstripped the sale of Michael Schumacher’s championship-winning 2003 Ferrari race car by nearly $4.2 million in November 2022. With this sale, Hamilton’s vehicle claims the title of the most expensive modern Formula 1 car, although it falls short of being the most valuable car ever to compete in the sport—that distinction belongs to Juan Manuel Fangio’s 1954 Mercedes W196, which fetched a staggering $29.6 million in 2013.