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Nigel Mansell’s Iconic $4M F1 Moment With Ayrton Senna Breaks RecordsRahul MadhavanEssentiallySports
Williams F1 is a team that prides on history. They are, of course, one of the sports successful teams with 9 constructors’ championships to their name. Their FW14 car in 1991 driven by the legendary Nigel Mansell is, to date, one of the most technologically advanced racing cars ever and is still iconic as ever.
The 80s proved to be a successful era for the British team as they swept 4 championships. However, with competition from McLaren during the late 80s, they lost their momentum. After the 1990 season, the desire to develop quickly led to a change in their strategy.
The FW14 in 1991 was largely considered the most powerful car on the grid. Legendary F1 engineer Adrian Newey designed it and Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese drove the car during the season. After 30 years, the iconic car has sold at an auction for a record fee.
Nigel Mansell and Williams’ iconic F1 tub sold for record fee
RM Sotheby’s is an auction house for the classic and legendary cars across the globe held in Monaco. The classic Williams’ FW14 has been sold for a record 4 million euros ($4.16 million.) Reports also suggest that there was a standing ovation in the auction room after the sale.
Nigel Mansell, Williams FW14 Renault V10, during a test session at Magny Cours 1991. #F1 pic.twitter.com/5CEWKaWZXd
— Tests In F1 (@mom4i) February 2, 2022
Formula 1 fans will forever remember the chassis. Adrian Newey was the chief designer and with a strong budget, he made a racing car that made Mansell come out of retirement plans. After poor results in the previous couple of years, Williams was right back on track in 1991.
Despite Ayrton Senna in a McLaren winning the championship that year, the car showed pace and potential. Fans will also know the FW14 was called ‘Senna’s taxi’. Mansell cruised during the British GP and after he won the race, he gave a lift to championship contender Senna during his victory lap. The sportsmanship was widely appreciated.
#BritishGP memories, 1991, Senna’s car ran out of fuel, and so Nigel Mansell became the world’s most expensive taxi. pic.twitter.com/bynkoDcC4Z
— VAVEL F1 (@VAVELF1) July 3, 2015
Mansell and Patrese recorded 7 victories between them during the season. The two drivers finished 2nd and 3rd in the championship, while Williams fell short of 14 points to McLaren in the constructors’ championship.
However, during the 1992 season, the FW14 saw some upgrades. Known as the FW14 B, Mansell was in a league of his own as he won the championship. Patrese followed him as Williams finished 65 points ahead of McLaren.
The FW14 is iconic, to say the least, and its legacy will live on forever.
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