RM Sotheby’s and Formula 1, the commercial rights holder for the international auto racing series, have announced a multi-year partnership that includes an inaugural auction in conjunction with the 2019 Etihad Airways F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November.
RM Sotheby’s and Formula 1 group said the auction will be the first such international collector car sale in the region. The auction is scheduled for November 30 at the Yas Marina racing circuit and will include “significant Grand Prix racing machines” as well as road-going sports, classic and supercars.
“Everyone at Formula 1, along with our global community of fans love cars, old and new,” F1 managing director for commercial operations, Sean Bratches, was quoted in the joint news release.
“The chance to work with RM Sotheby’s is a perfect marriage showcasing the beauty of classic cars alongside the most technologically advanced machinery on the planet. And while, not all of us can drive away with a priceless piece of automotive art, our collaboration gives all the race-goers the opportunity to see these beautiful cars up close over the race weekend. It is going to be another way to deliver on our promise of making the spectacle more spectacular.”
“With its passionate global audience of over 560 million fans, and 21 events across five continents each year, F1 provides a unique platform for RM Sotheby’s and the wider Sotheby’s business, to excite, entertain and engage with our global customer base of collectors. 2019 marks our 40th anniversary and for us there is no better way to celebrate this landmark year than by sharing our love of cars on the biggest stage possible,” added Shelby Myers, head of global private sales for RM Sotheby’s.
“Collector car and memorabilia interest in the Region is growing,” said Al Tareq Al Ameri, chief executive of the Yas Marina Circuit, “so hosting the first auction of this new collaboration at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is perfectly timed. And, of course, this represents yet another first as we continue to harness the power of our Grand Prix as a platform for innovation and fan engagement in Formula 1.”
Specifics of the auction docket will be announced in the coming weeks.