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A piece of Formula One history was made last weekend when Lewis Hamilton's 2013 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 W04 car sold for a record $18.8 million at auction. The car, which was driven by Hamilton to victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix that year, was sold at the RM Sotheby's Las Vegas Grand Prix Sale.
The sale of the W04 is the second most expensive Formula One car ever sold, behind only the 1954 Mercedes W196R, which sold for $29.6 million in 2017. The sale also makes the W04 the most expensive modern Formula One car ever sold.
The W04 was a dominant car in the 2013 Formula One season, winning five races and helping Mercedes to its first constructors' championship since 1955. Hamilton, who was in his first season with Mercedes after moving from McLaren, finished third in the drivers' championship that year.
The sale of the W04 is a testament to the legacy of Lewis Hamilton, one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time. Hamilton has won seven Formula One world championships, tied with Michael Schumacher for the most all-time.
The buyer of the W04 has not been disclosed. However, it is likely that the car will be kept in a private collection.
The auction was a huge success
In addition to the sale of the W04, there were a number of other notable results at the RM Sotheby's Las Vegas Grand Prix Sale.
These included: A 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta sold for $4.3 million.
A 1957 Porsche 356 A Carrera Speedster sold for $1.8 million.
A 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage sold for $1.7 million.
A 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 sold for $1.2 million.
The RM Sotheby's Las Vegas Grand Prix Sale was a resounding success, with over $100 million worth of cars sold. This is proof of how important a part of Formula 1 history can be, and collectors don't think about money to get the model they want.