Last week, we had the pleasure of attending a special event here in Dallas with our good friends at de Boulle —featured here. This was one of those 'just because we can' type of events featuring Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F1-2000 as the guest of honor. The Ferrari F1-2000 was a Formula One car designed by Rory Byrne for the year 2000 Season. This car featuring improved aerodynamics when compared to its predecessors, is the same car that Schumi drove during the season, to obtain his third World Driver's Championship and the first World Constructors' championship for the Ferrari team in 16 years. On our wrist that day, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Panda' ref. 26170ST with its racing inspired look. Honestly, we couldn't think of any other watch —other than the AP Michael Schumacher Laptimer— more suitable for the occasion.
The Ferrari F1-2000 debuted at the 2000 Australian Grand Prix with its carbon fiber and honeycomb composite structure, double wishbones front and back suspension also in carbon fiber, a Ferrari 049 semi-automatic V10 7-Speed 3.0 liter engine and Bridgestone Potenza tires. This stunning car, was driven by Formula One 'king' Michael Schumacher throughout 17 races with 10 wins and 10 pole positions. The car boasts an outstanding 850 hp.
This car full of history, is now in the hands of an important car collector that has been cherishing it as one should and has maintained every single aspect of it in perfect condition. All parts and pieces in this car are in the same condition as the day it left the track when it was last driven by Michael Schumacher. Clearly, Schumi's DNA is still all around the cockpit and instruments.
For us lovers of all things Formula One related and big supporters of the Scuderia Ferrari, this was an epic moment that we will hold very dearly in our hearts. The Scuderia Ferrari —official name for the Formula One racing team— holds 16 Constructors' Championships, 15 Driver's Championships, 224 race victories and 208 pole positions.
After spending some time looking at the car, we could only imagine the adrenaline rushes and G-forces that Michael Schumacher would withstand sitting inside the cockpit of this car. One of the greatest Formula One drivers ever and currently still recovering from his unfortunate skiing accident a few years ago. We can only finish this post by wishing Schumi a full recovery and by hoping one day we get to see him once again around the pits at a Formula One race. Special thanks to our friends at de Boulle for inviting us over.
Sticker Price Approximately $3.5 Million USD —watch not included. $26,000 USD for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26170ST.OO.D101CR.02. For more info on Scuderia Ferrari click here and for Audemars Piguet here.
