New F1 record set in million-dollar sale

A new record has been set for the most expensive F1 helmet ever sold, following a purchase of a 44-year-old piece.

The Hall of Fame Collection helped facilitate the sale of a helmet that once belonged to Gilles Villeneuve.

The former Ferrari driver won six races before tragically losing his life in a crash during qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix.

The helmet is one of only two that Villeneuve used during the 1982 season, and this particular item was worn for the Canadian's final trip to the podium at Imola - just two weeks before his fatal accident.

It has now returned to Canada following a successful sale, with the buyer forking out $1.2 million for the helmet which comes with its original GPA bag.

The purchase now sits as the most expensive F1 helmet in history, surpassing a 1992 Ayrton Senna piece that was sold last year for just over $900,000.

“History has been made,” read a statement from the Hall of Fame Collection. 

“The first helmet to sell for over $1M US Dollars is this Gilles Villeneuve original GPA race used helmet from 1982.

“The helmet had been in a private collection for close to 30 years before Hall of Fame Collection had the opportunity to represent it in this historic sale.

“Memorabilia values continue to increase as top collectors around the world are considering these items like investment pieces. This sale certainly helps celebrate Gilles' legacy.”