McLaren Racing will offer fans the unique chance to bid on three upcoming competition cars during the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, partnering with RM Sotheby‘s for the auction. This event highlights McLaren’s drive toward reclaiming the prestigious Triple Crown in motorsport.
McLaren’s Pursuit of the Triple Crown Milestone
The Triple Crown in racing involves winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the Le Mans 24 Hours, a feat previously only achieved by McLaren. The team’s history includes victories such as the 1984 Monaco GP with Alain Prost, the 1976 Indy 500 with Johnny Rutherford, and the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours with drivers JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas, and Masanori Sekiya. McLaren’s ambition is to secure this achievement once again as it expands its presence across multiple racing disciplines.
Details of the Auctioned Cars
The auction will feature three separate vehicles: either Lando Norris’s or Oscar Piastri’s 2026 Formula 1 car, the 2026 Indy 500 entry, and McLaren’s 2027 World Endurance Championship car, notable for being the final chassis produced out of six. Each car represents a key aspect of McLaren’s commitment to excellence and competition in diverse racing categories.
Exclusive Access and Deep Connection to Motorsport Heritage
Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, emphasized the rarity of this opportunity:
“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,” —Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
“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. Not only that, these incredible cars will come with unprecedented VIP access to the team and action on track.” —Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
Brown also shared personal reflections on his motorsport passion and collecting journey, revealing how his early experiences as a fan evolved into owning actual race cars:
“My first race was the 1981 Long Beach Grand Prix – I remember it like it was yesterday,” —Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
He described how his enthusiasm grew from playing with small-scale diecast cars to acquiring full-size models for his collection, illustrating the diversity of McLaren’s fan base from young admirers to well-established collectors.
Brown explained,
“So when I look at the McLaren fans, it’s everything from me as the 10-year-old who then wants the 1:43 diecast to play Hot Wheels, etc., up to adults that have substantial means and want to have the big version sitting in their garage. We have great fans around the world of all ages, genders, and demographics, and so obviously this is right at the peak of what you can do to be part of the McLaren Papaya Club, if you’d like. We think it’s a really cool opportunity.”
Future Plans for Track Cars Beyond the Auction
Looking ahead, McLaren intends to offer track versions of its World Endurance cars, which will provide thrilling experiences without the same race history as the auctioned vehicles:
“And we’re going to do track cars of our World Endurance cars, so those won’t have the racing heritage that these three cars have, but will also be a great experience. It’s something we want to do more of.” —Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
Significance and Expected Impact of the Auction
This auction not only allows enthusiasts to own a rare piece of McLaren’s racing legacy but also strengthens the team’s engagement with its fans worldwide. By offering exclusive VIP access alongside the sale of these exceptional cars, McLaren is fueling passion and loyalty within its diverse community. As the team prepares for its ambitious 2027 World Endurance Championship campaign, events like this auction serve as a testament to McLaren’s dedication to innovation, history, and fan experience.