Mercedes-AMG Petronas W04 F1 Car Sells For Record Breaking $18.8 Million

Highly Anticipated
We recently reported in anticipation of the sale of this historically significant race car, noting its rarity, along with the fact that it was expected to fetch big money during the week that Formula 1 returned to the streets of Las Vegas, NV. We now know that Hamilton’s 2013 racer was sold for significantly more money than the most optimistic predictions.
 

The Record-Breaking Sale
The auction, held in Las Vegas, saw Hamilton’s W04 smash previous records, becoming the second most valuable Formula 1 car sold at auction, only behind Juan Manuel Fangio’s 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R. Initially expected to sell between $10 million and $15 million, this car surpassed all projections, emphasizing its significance in Formula 1 history.
 
Significance and Rarity of the W04
Hamilton’s victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2013 was secured with this very W04, marking his first win with the Mercedes team. What adds to its allure is its uniqueness—it’s the only modern-era Mercedes F1 car not owned by Mercedes, Toto Wolff, or Hamilton himself. This rarity contributed significantly to its exceptional value.
 

Hamilton’s Legacy and Future Sales Speculations
The W04 represents a crucial part of Hamilton’s journey, wherein he finished fourth in the 2013 championship, claiming multiple podium positions. While the auctioned car holds immense worth, it raises curiosity about the potential value of Hamilton’s championship-winning Mercedes from subsequent years, hinting at possible future record-breaking sales.
 
Auction Event
The auction, organized by RM Sotheby’s, not only featured Hamilton’s W04 but also showcased other F1 memorabilia. The global head of private sales at RM Sotheby’s, Shelby Myers, highlighted the unique appeal of Mercedes-Benz in the world of automotive greatness, showcasing the enduring allure of the Silver Arrows.