In a move that would tickle the fancy of any Lewis Hamilton 1 fan, the race suit donned by the Briton during his maiden F1 victory at the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix with McLaren has been auctioned off for a whopping $241,300!
This piece of racing memorabilia, which featured in the first installment of Sotheby's 'Icon of Excellence' catalog celebrating Hamilton's illustrious career, serves as a tangible reminder of that momentous occasion.
Prior to his milestone achievement, the then 22-year-old rookie had already secured five podium finishes in his first five races for McLaren. But it was in Canada that he truly stamped his mark on the sport, claiming his maiden pole position.
The race unfolded like a classic F1 drama, with Hamilton managing to navigate a tricky start, fend off Fernando Alonso's attempts to snatch the lead, and outlast multiple safety car restarts, all the while exuding the calm demeanor that would become his trademark.
As enthusiasts and collectors vied for ownership, the RM Sotheby’s auction not only became a platform for securing a tangible piece of Formula 1 history but also symbolized Hamilton’s enduring legacy.
The substantial interest and bids surrounding this artifact underscore its cultural and historical importance, turning the auction into a celebration of the seven-time world champion’s groundbreaking achievement and the passionate community that values the tangible connections to the sport's rich past.
And to sweeten the deal for the lucky buyer, the race suit that sold at auction was also photo-matched by Sports Investors Authentication, ensuring that it wasn’t just any old piece of clothing.
For good measure, the suit is the very one that Hamilton wore, not only on race day in Montreal, but also on his way to his second career victory just a week later at the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis.
How’s that for value for money!