Michael Schumacher First Win Benetton B192 Sells at Auction

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - The first Formula 1 car to deliver a race victory for Michael Schumacher has been sold for several million euros at an international auction, underlining its historical significance in the early stages of the seven-time world champion’s career.

Schumacher claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1992 at Spa-Francorchamps, just one year after making his debut in the sport with Jordan. The win marked a pivotal breakthrough, signalling his arrival as a future title contender in the Formula 1 paddock.

The car sold was the Benetton B192,ussian driven by Schumacher in five grands prix during the 1992 season. The chassis was designed by Rory Byrne and developed during a period when Benetton was positioning itself as a challenger to the established dominance of Williams and McLaren.

Initially listed with an estimated value of €8.5 million, the car ultimately sold for €5,082,000 at a Broad Arrow auction. Despite falling below its initial guide price, the final figure still places the B192 among the most valuable Formula 1 cars ever sold, reflecting both its provenance and technical importance.

The auction house described the B192 as the moment where a legend truly began, emphasising its role in Schumacher’s breakthrough victory under typically challenging weather conditions at Spa. Powered by a 3.5-litre V8 engine, the car completed 44 laps and over 300 kilometres in an era defined by manual gearboxes and a more mechanical driving style.

From a technical perspective, the B192 also holds a unique place in Formula 1 history as the final manual-transmission car produced by Benetton. The combination of Schumacher and this chassis marked the start of a trajectory that would lead to unprecedented dominance and seven world drivers’ championships in the years that followed.

The sale serves as a reminder that Formula 1’s greatest eras often begin with a single defining moment. As the sport continues to evolve through new regulations and generations, the legacy of Schumacher’s first victory remains a permanent reference point in Formula 1 history.