In a groundbreaking move, McLaren has partnered with RM Sotheby’s to launch an auction featuring its 2026 Formula 1 car. The auction, timed to coincide with the final round of the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, offers motorsport enthusiasts a rare opportunity to purchase a future racing legend before its official competition debut. The winning bidder will formally take delivery of the 2026 McLaren F1 car in 2028.
Additional Vehicles and VIP Experiences Available to Buyers
Alongside the 2026 F1 car, the auction includes a 2025 show car available on lease until the new car arrives, granting buyers immediate access to a McLaren vehicle. Exclusive benefits also feature behind-the-scenes access to the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking and privileges to attend team events. Furthermore, McLaren is offering its first LMDh hypercar from their debut season in the FIA World Endurance Championship and a McLaren <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/indycar/”>IndyCar driven by Pato O’Ward during the 110th Indianapolis 500 in May 2026.
McLaren CEO Highlights Unique Nature of the Auction
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown emphasized the auction’s unparalleled nature, describing it as the first instance of a future F1 car being publicly available prior to its official race debut.
“This auction is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of racing history and bid for a car that has competed on track before its official launch,”
Brown stated. He added,
“Not only that, these incredible cars will come with unprecedented VIP access to the team and action on track.”
Brown confirmed the car offered for sale will be driven by one of McLaren’s current drivers, Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris, adding to the auction’s appeal.
McLaren’s Ambition to Achieve a Second Triple Crown
The auction also reflects McLaren’s growing commitment to securing a second motorsport Triple Crown, which consists of winning the Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Brown remarked,
“The Triple Crown is a huge part of our heritage and we are determined to claim it once again as we prepare for our 2027 entry into the World Endurance Championship.”
McLaren remains the only team to have achieved this prestigious feat, with victories including the 1974 Indianapolis 500, the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, and the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans on their first attempt.
Historic Opportunity for Collectors and Fans
This auction offers collectors and racing fans a unique chance to secure vehicles connected to McLaren’s rich motorsport history before these cars have even competed in their respective championships. The sale was initially unveiled by Zak Brown at Monterey Car Week in California, where McLaren showcased both its Formula 1 and IndyCar show cars. Importantly, delivery of the 2026 F1 car and other competition vehicles will occur only after they have raced, marking a first in motorsport history.