F1 legend's helmet on sale for £210,000 as fans can buy rare piece of history

Ayrton Senna's signed helmet from the 1991 Japanese Grand Prix is going up for sale for a price of £210,000, giving fans a unique opportunity to own a rare piece of F1 history. The legendary Brazilian finished second in the Grand Prix, crossing the line just three tenths of a second behind McLaren team-mate Gerhard Berger. Title rival Nigel Mansell, meanwhile, retired on lap nine after a spin, meaning Senna won the 1991 Drivers' Championship title after the chequered flag.

Senna signed the gorgeous yellow helmet, which contains his iconic green and black stripes, as well as decals from sponsors such as Boss, Nacional and Marlboro. Rheos, which traditionally produced lids for motorcycle racing, made bespoke F1-specific models for the 1991 season, although the Brazilian went on to use Shoei designs in 1992 and 1993.

The helmet will go up for sale on July 17 in Paris, being auctioned off by RM Sotheby's. The company previously oversaw auctions for Michael Schumacher's Benetton B191 (1991) and Ferrari F2001 (2001) cars.

"Research into this exact helmet's provenance is ongoing, but what is known is that the helmet was one of two used by Senna during the 1991 Japanese Grand Prix weekend, the very race where he secured that third Drivers' Championship," the listing explains.

"Following the race, the helmet was signed by Senna on the rear left-hand side, allegedly gifting it to his team-mate Gerhard Berger, and thus removing the helmet from the possibility of use at the final round of the 1991 World Championship at the Australian Grand Prix.

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"Acquired by the consignor approximately fifteen years ago, the helmet still shows visible signs of its race-worn use, and is presented in very well-preserved condition. It was used by Senna at a pivotal moment in his illustrious career and as such would be a significant addition to any collection."

The 1991 World Championship proved to be Senna's final one. In 1997, he suffered seven retirements, unleashing Nigel Mansell to win the title, with Riccardo Patrese and Michael Schumacher both finishing ahead of him.

Senna then finished second in 1993 behind career-long rival Alain Prost, despite scoring five Grand Prix victories. Then, in 1994, the three-time world champion was tragically killed at the San Marino Grand Prix following a high-speed crash at the Tamburello corner.