McLaren announced that it will auction the entire range of sub-developed race cars later this year, including the yet-known Formula 1 Challenger for the 2026 season.
Described as “the world’s first,” Walking-based team and its auction partner RM Sotheby’s will be setting the successor to the MCL39 under the hammer at this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
This means collectors will be able to secure cars built on F1’s future regulations before they compete for the first race.
Actual delivery, scheduled to be called the MCL40, will only be made in 2028, but bidders will be offered with a tentative lease of a 2025 show car.
Additionally, the winner will be invited to the UK’s McLaren Technology Centre, with “incredible behind the scenes access with McLaren Racing and related events.”
Additionally, in addition to the McLaren IndyCar machine, where Patooward will race in the Indy 500 in 2026, there will also be an example of the new LMDH prototype for the team, which will debut at the World Endurance Championship in 2027.
The auction celebrates McLaren’s status as the only racing team to win the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the motorsport triple crown.
“This auction is an extraordinary opportunity to bid on a car that owns racing history and was on track before it was officially released,” said McLaren Racing CEO Brown.
“The Triple Crown is a big part of our legacy and we are determined to claim it again in preparation for the 2027 World Endurance Championship. Not only that, these incredible cars come with unprecedented VIP access to the team and on-track action.”