The car in which Michael Schumacher secured his first Formula 1 victory, the 1992 Benetton B192, has been listed for auction via Broad Arrow Auctions. An estimated price is €8.5 mln, Motorsport reports.
Schumacher began the 1992 season driving an updated B191, but Benetton introduced the B192 at the fourth round in Spain. Paired with Martin Brundle, Schumacher claimed his maiden grand prix win at the Belgian Grand Prix in chassis number 05.
Designed by Rory Byrne under Ross Brawn, the B192 proved highly competitive, delivering 11 podium finishes, one win, and two fastest laps between Schumacher and Brundle. The car featured a distinctive yellow and green livery and was powered by a Ford 3.5-litre V8 engine producing 660–680bhp.
Brundle Reflects on the 1992 Season
Brundle reflected on the season during a 2022 Sky Sports F1 feature.
“30 years ago, the 1992 Formula 1 season looked very different,” he said. “There were only 16 grand prix, contested by 16 teams, and 39 drivers attempted to qualify for a race. The Williams FW14B was the car to beat. Nigel Mansell in Red Five won nine races and was world champion by mid-August. Michael and I did our very best to challenge Williams in the relatively basic but highly effective Benetton B192.”
Schumacher recalled his Belgian GP win: “I had the car today that was unbelievable, and I have to say thank you to the team.”
Brundle added: “I got fired in true Formula 1 style. The team wanted an Italian driver for 1993, ending my Benetton career. It was a privilege to be Schumacher’s team-mate, an emerging talent of the time, and what a truly great driver.”
The B192 remained with Benetton, later Renault, until 2015 when it was acquired by former driver Laurent Redon. He fully restored the car, including a chassis overhaul and engine and gearbox rebuild, returning it to full working order.
For the first time, the historic car is available to the public, and auctioneers predict chassis 05 could sell for more than €8.5 mln when it goes under the hammer later this month.
