Rare MV Agusta F4 LH44 inspired by F1 champ Lewis Hamilton up for grabs

A rare special edition of MV Agusta’s iconic F4 sportsbike inspired by multiple F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton - the MV Agusta F4 LH44 - is going up for auction.

While the unofficial rivalry between two and four wheels has over the years claimed its fair share of victims - well, perhaps not ‘victims’, but it’s certainly led to some crisp-waving, beer spilling heated confrontations in pubs up and down the land - truth is, one tends to attract the other.

Indeed, do a quick straw poll of MotoGP riders and most would love a go in an F1 car, while the likes of Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen are well-known for their motorcycling passions.

Then there is the great Michael Schumacher, who you may remember went as far as to launch a brief two-wheel racing career in Germany’s IDM Superbike Championship.

The man that has succeeded his once considered unbreakable records on four wheels, however, has repeatedly professed his passion for motorcycles and subsequently began a love affair with MV Agusta borne through the Italian firm’s brief relationship with Mercedes tuning arm, AMG.

The relationship went on to bear a Hamilton-inspired edition of its flagship F4 sportsbike, which he occasionally promoted by riding into work at the Monaco Grand Prix from his nearby home.

Only 44 examples were produced in a nod to the Briton’s racing number and one of them - #34 - has popped up for auction at Sotheby’s to tempt any “LH ‘till I die” fan.

Based on the F4 RC, the LH44 comes with SL-project exhaust kit, which boosts power to 212hp, while the unique pearlescent-effect ruby red paint job and ‘44’ decals help it stand out.

With only five miles on the clock, the F4 LH44 is practically brand-new, so don’t expect it to deviate far from the £53,900 it was priced from new. In fact, there is no indication of value on the Sotheby’s page - which you can view here - which usually means one thing - you probably can’t afford it…