‘It’s a bit of an emotional rollercoaster because it’s your life,’ says Nigel Mansell. The 1992 Formula 1 World Champion is parting ways with some of his most coveted possessions – including racewear, helmets, trophies and personal effects – in a no-reserve Budds auction on 10 February 2026.
‘But I’m comfortable with it because of the relationship I’ve had with fans around the world. I couldn’t think of anything better than having them as the custodians of everything we’ve won. They can have a little bit of history and a little bit of excitement.’
Talking over the phone from his Florida home, the legendary British driver speaks warmly and is on excellent form. It doesn’t take long for him to begin sharing some of the memories he associates with the eclectic selection of items he’s decided to sell.
The headline lot is particularly special: a race-worn helmet Nigel gifted to fellow World Champion Sebastian Vettel that he wore during his title-winning 1992 season. Nigel gifted Sebastian the helmet back in 2022, when the German drove his Championship-winning Williams FW14B in front of thousands of fans at the British Grand Prix.
‘It was a gesture of tremendous friendship and acknowledgement of a very significant achievement,’ Nigel explains. There are only 35 Formula 1 World Champions, and only 21 of them are still living. It’s a very small, elite club. Seb’s a great four-time World Champion and Silverstone was a very special moment for both of us.’
Nigel personally signed the 1992 Arai helmet, adding a message to congratulate Sebastian on his Grand Prix career, and it is expected to fetch between £5000 and £8000.
Another item dear to Nigel is his 1993 IndyCar Rookie of the Year trophy (est. £2500-£3000). Made from marble and polished metal, the abstract, sculptural piece marks a unique motorsport achievement. Having left Formula 1 to contest IndyCar as the reigning World Champion, Mansell won the US’ premier open-wheel series on his first attempt with the Newman-Haas outfit. He remains the first – and only – driver in history to hold both F1 and IndyCar titles simultaneously.
‘It was a freak bit of history. You don’t expect to lose your drive after winning a World Championship. I wanted to defend the Championship in the manner I’d won it, but that wasn’t afforded to me,’ Nigel reflects.
‘But as Paul Newman said to me, “When one door closes, another opens.” We had a fantastic adventure in America, and winning back-to-back World Championships was incredible. Only four people in history have won both, and only one has held both titles in the same year. It’s fantastic.’
Asked whether he expects anyone to repeat the feat, Nigel’s answer is immediate – and characteristically competitive: ‘I hope not!’
The achievement, he admits, came at a cost. The transition was incredibly demanding and punctuated by a serious accident early in the season that left him with 148 stitches in his back. ‘The energy and focus it took were enormous,’ he says – ‘equal to, if not greater than, F1.’
Unfortunately, major crashes and grave injuries were simply accepted as part of motorsport in the era Nigel competed in.
‘When we drove in the late ‘70s, ‘80s and early ‘90s, our feet were just six to nine inches away from the front wing. Any front impact meant broken feet – and both of mine have been badly broken. I’m actually going in for a small operation on my right foot this Tuesday to remove bone spurs,’ he reveals.
These injuries meant Nigel was particularly thankful for the McLaren-liveried electric scooter he and reigning World Champion Lando Norris used at the 2025 British Grand Prix. Both drivers have since signed the scooter and it’s expected to cross the block for between £600 and £800.
‘Being unable to walk far, scooters and bikes help preserve your feet and make life more comfortable. I’m envious of today’s drivers – their feet are behind the front axle now. Thankfully they don’t suffer the same injuries.’
The auction also nods to Nigel’s time with Scuderia Ferrari, where the mechanics christened him Il Leone for his fearless, aggressive driving style. One of a select group of British drivers to have raced in red, Nigel has chosen to part with a signed Ferrari golf bag from his time in Maranello (£300–£500).
‘Ferrari was very generous, and it remains one of the most treasured teams I drove for. I had a fantastic time there,’ Mansell says. ‘I’m thrilled at the thought that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc might have a competitive car this year. I’d love to see Lewis challenge again. If he’s got the car underneath him, he’s still got everything he needs.’
Proceeds from selected lots will support UK Youth, which works with youth organisations across the UK. The funds will be put toward a new sports facility at UK Youth’s Avon Tyrrell site in Hampshire.
‘Some items sold have been donated, and we’re aiming to raise over £4m so tens of thousands of kids can benefit,’ Nigel explains.
‘I know whoever receives whatever they buy will be very proud of it – as I am of them for owning parts of the collection.’
Aside from that, the 1992 World Champion graciously made sure to congratulate McLaren and expressed his excitement for the upcoming F1 season:
‘I’d like to congratulate Zak Brown, McLaren and especially Lando on winning the Championship. I hope he gets a chance to defend it properly – Oscar will be a great teammate.
‘Mercedes look strong and George Russell must be optimistic and we’re all waiting to see Adrian’s Aston Martin – Fernando Alonso could be right up there. There’s a lot happening!’
