A unique opportunity to own a genuine F1® race car that competed across the full 2014 Formula One season during the modern turbo hybrid era, before being repurposed into a promotional tool for Infiniti.

Chassis 108/E22-03 was originally driven by Romain Grosjean in the 2014 F1® World Championship and is now adorned in the striking R.S.19 livery, as driven by Daniel Ricciardo.

Background

The Enstone-based team’s history is fascinating, evolving from Toleman to Benetton, Lotus, Renault and now Alpine. The story begins with Toleman, which rose to prominence in 1984 by recruiting a young rookie, Ayrton Senna. Benetton acquired the team in 1985 and, in 1989, brought in Flavio Briatore, who assembled a formidable line-up including Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, Pat Symonds, Nelson Piquet and Michael Schumacher.

The team soon gave Schumacher his first victories and the first two of his historic seven Drivers’ Championships. In 2000, the team was sold to Renault and, within five years, a young Fernando Alonso, aided by his team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella, delivered back-to-back World Championships. In 2010, Renault sold part ownership of the team to Lotus Cars. It was during this period, between 2012 and 2015, that this very car was built.

The 2014 Lotus E22

2014 was a critical year in the history of modern F1, with the introduction of the new 1.6-litre V6 hybrid power unit. This engine was notoriously complex and required all manufacturers to dig deep in the search for performance, with cars delivering in excess of 900 bhp.

Chassis E22-03 was used by Romain Grosjean as his primary car and completed every race that season, with a best finish of eighth at the Monaco Grand Prix.

The car completed 19 races, and proof of this exists under the seat, where one of the electronic enclosures retains a track map from its final race in Abu Dhabi.

Its mileage was not limited to races. Esteban Ocon, Alex Lynn and Charles Pic tested this car in Abu Dhabi in 2014, while Pastor Maldonado joined Pic for a test in Barcelona in May. With a comprehensive racing and testing history, this car covered 14,721 km during its life. It is now presented as a rolling chassis with a display power unit.

The livery itself is striking, with sweeping tones of yellow and black making it unmistakable. The French Tricolore and Renault badge on the nose are complemented by the placement of contemporary sponsors.

After completing its active career, the car entered the Lotus heritage collection until 2018, when the team, then under Renault ownership, provided it to partner Infiniti for display purposes.

This chassis was subsequently removed from storage and repainted in the 2019 Renault R.S.19 colours, and paired with an incredibly rare, near-complete Renault Sport F1-2014 power unit. This feature sets the car apart from its contemporaries, as it is exceptionally rare for a turbo hybrid power unit to be available in the public domain, given the secretive nature of manufacturers’ engine designs.

This Renault Energy F1-2014 unit is a focal point of the car and is visible through a unique cut-out section in the sidepod.

The Car

The car retains most of the components from its time as a race car.

The cockpit is complete with a race-used steering wheel, drinks tube and seat. Lifting the seat reveals that wiring looms and electronic enclosures remain in place, excluding the ECU, electronics and all F1®-mandated sensors, loggers and chassis driver switches. The FIA-mandated extinguisher system also remains in place.

The braking system is complete with the original carbon discs, callipers and brake ducts. The front end of the car is complete and retains the correct carbon composite structure, wishbones, uprights and steering rack. Both sidepods feature complete radiators along with the air-to-water charge cooler.

The engine is presented in near-complete condition, retaining most of the intake system and still housing the air filter it likely last raced with. The engine retains the MGU-H, with both the hot and cold sides complete with all connectors, along with the MGU-K mounted on the side. Looking through the exhaust outlet reveals that the turbine impellers on the hot side remain in place.

Behind the engine sits a complete gearbox housing, with a visible input shaft suggesting that internal components are still installed. Enstone removed the original dual-tusk nosecone and replaced it with one to match the modern livery. The remainder of the bodywork is to race specification, aside from the rear wing, which has had its DRS actuator removed.

This is a large-format item and does not qualify for standard shipping rates. This item is located in France. A custom shipping quote will be provided following a successful winning bid. Alternatively, buyers may arrange their own courier (administration fee applies). Upon a successful bid, a deposit will be required. A full shipping quote will then be issued, with the remaining balance due before dispatch.

F1® Race Cars For Sale Auctions

Miami Auction LOT 002 - 2014 Lotus E22-03 (2019 R.S.19 Livery)