One-of-a-kind, dual design and signed helmet sold by F1 Authentics Private Sales

F1 Authentics Private Sales offers exclusive, discreet access to rare Formula One memorabilia. Backed by direct partnership across the sport, we provide a tailored, confidential service for collectors who value provenance, privacy and a seamless path to owning a piece of F1 history.

Below, we feature one of the rare items that have been sold by our expert team, a 1-of-1 dual design and driver signed 1993 Camel Benetton Helmet.

As a company born out of F1, we are no strangers to unique motorsport items. But every so often something extremely rare reaches us and offers our customers an opportunity like no other. Originally produced by Bell and gifted to Flavio Briatore, this showpiece helmet is uniquely adorned in two styles, dual branded in the designs of both Michael Schumacher and Riccardo Patrese from Camel Benetton’s 1993season. 

Split directly down the middle, this is a rare example of an official helmet showcasing two designs, made even more special as both drivers have signed their respective half. In addition, the helmet is presented with a plaque highlighting it was originally produced as a gift, presented to the Camel BenettonTeam Manager.

Now, one collector engaged with our Private Sales service has become the new owner of this incredible item, infused with the history of three Formula One legends, like no other helmet in existence today.

The significance of 1993

Benetton retained Michael Schumacher for the 1993 Season, and he was partnered for the first time with Riccardo Patrese byteam manager Flavio Briatore. The improved engine power of the Benetton B193 and the B193B saw the team consistently posing a threat to McLaren and Williams throughout the season.

Patrese was the most experienced driver in Formula One at the time and had just finished runner-up to Nigel Mansell in the championship of 1992, whilst driving for Williams. This season represented a changing of the guard and would ultimately become the last time Patrese would appear in F1®, but in his landmark final season, he continued to break records, notably becoming the first ever driver to reach 250 race starts, achieved at the 1993 German Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher on the other hand was the breakout star of Formula One at this timeand proved this further in 1993, achievingthe fastest laps at the Brazilian, Spanish, Canadian, French and German Grand Prix. The pinnacle of the future multiple-time world champion’s season came when he won the 1993 Portuguese Grand Prix, only his second victory in F1®, after his maiden win the year before at Spa.

With 8 podiums and one victory, Schumacher placed 4th in the overall drivers’ standings behind legends Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Damon Hill. Ricardo Patrese added two podiums and 20 points of his own at the British and Hungarian Grand Prix to help Camel Benetton-Ford reach 72 points in total, securing Third Place in the 1993 World Constructors' Championship standings, 44 points ahead of Ferrari in fourth place.

Three Icons, One Iconic Showpiece

Michael Schumacher has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in racing history. He won a record-setting seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles and at the time of his retirementheld the records for most wins, pole positionsand podium finishes. He still holds many records to this day, including most fastest laps, hat-tricks, consecutive podium finishes and consecutive drivers' titles with five championships won in a row between the 2000 and 2004 seasons. 

Ricardo Patrese remains one of the most experienced drivers the sport has ever seen. He won six Grands Prix across 17 seasons in F1® and goes down in history as the first Formula One driver ever to achieve both 200 and 250 Grand Prix starts. His 257 career entries was a record-breaking total for almost two-decades, initially surviving his final teammates legacy when Schumacher retired on 250 race entries. However, the German icon subsequently came out of retirement and became the second driver to surpass Patrese's former record after Rubens Barrichello did so in 2008.

Flavio Briatore has left an indelible mark on Formula 1, originally transforming Benetton from midfield contenders into world champions and guiding Michael Schumacher to his first two world titles. His return to the sport with Renault marked another golden era, where he masterminded Fernando Alonso’s back-to-back World Championships in 2005 and 2006. Briatore's flair for showmanship, strategic thinking, and business acumen helped elevate the sport's global appeal and he continues serving today as an executive adviser and de facto Team Principal of BWT Alpine F1 Team.

An exclusive opportunity

This helmet, beautifully adorned in the iconic and recognisable designs of both drivers from the 1993 F1® season, represents designs worn by Riccardo Patrese in his last season as an F1® driver and the last worn by Michael Schumacher before he became a World Champion in 1994.

Clear signatures have been carefully applied by each driver and a discreet plaque highlights the origin of this showpiece as a gift to Flavio Briatore, making this a one-of-one item with incredible history.

Only one helmet like this has ever existed and now, it has been purchased through F1 Authentics exclusive Private Sales service, ensuring our customershave secured the opportunity to retain the history and legacy of a unique moment in motorsport.

Interested in our Private Sales service? 

Whether you're seeking a specific race-worn component, a show car with a championship pedigree, or simply the next defining piece for your collection, our team works with precision and discretion to deliver results. With insight shaped by years inside the sport and access others can’t match, we navigate the F1 landscape on your behalf—offering guidance, authentication, and global reach at every step.

This is more than a transaction; it’s a personalised gateway to the most coveted corners of Formula 1.

Contact our team now to find out more: Private Sales – F1 Authentics