McLaren has shattered motorsport auction conventions by announcing the unprecedented sale of their 2026 Formula One car before it has even turned a wheel in competition. This groundbreaking move represents the first time in racing history that a future F1 chassis will be sold to collectors ahead of its competitive debut, fundamentally changing how fans and investors can engage with the sport.
Historic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix auction details
The December auction at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will offer buyers an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of racing history while it’s still being written, complete with VIP access and behind-the-scenes involvement in the car’s development journey. This bold strategy demonstrates McLaren’s innovative approach to fan engagement and revenue generation in an era where traditional motorsport business modelsIndyCarpidly evolving.
Champions McLaren claimed a first on Thursday by announcing the auction of one of their 2026 Formula One cars before it has even been raced.
The F1 car, which will be driven by Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris, is one of a trio of future chassis offered by McLaren in the December 5 sale organised by RM Sotheby’s ahead of this year’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The other two are a 2026 Arrow McLaren Indycar, to be raced at the Indianapolis 500 next May by Mexican Pato O’Ward, and McLaren’s inaugural 2027 World Endurance Hypercar that will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Unprecedented market strategy sees an unnamed car up for grabs
McLaren Chief Executive Zak Brown said the auction would be the behind-the-scenes Formula One car that had been sold before it had been unveiled to the public.
The as-yet unnamed 2026 car, likely to be the MCL40 after this year’s MCL39, will be the team’s first for a new era in Formula One with a big change in technical and engine regulations.
The successful bidder will have to wait until 2028 to take delivery, with a 2025 show car offered on lease until then to the buyer who will also have behind the scenes access to the team and eShape
This revolutionary auction strategy transforms traditional collector relationships with motorsport by offering unprecedented access to the development process and competitive journey of cutting-edge racing machinery. The winning bidders will essentially become stakeholders in McLaren’s racing narrative, gaining exclusive insights into aerodynamic development, direct feedback sessions, and strategic decision-making that shapes championship campaigns. The 2026 regulations represent the most significant technical overhaul in Formula One’s recent history, introducing active aerodynamics and revised hybrid power units that will fundamentally alter competitive dynamics across the grid.
Triple crown celebration of Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, and 24 Hours of Le Mans
The other cars will be delivered after the respective series have ended. McLaren is the only team to have won the Triple Crown of motorsport – victories at the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The timing of this auction coincides with McLaren’s resurgence as a championship contender in Formula One, making the 2026 car particularly attractive to collectors who recognize the potential for significant appreciation in value should the team continue its upward trajectory. The inclusion of IndyCar and World Endurance Championship vehicles in the same auction creates a comprehensive package that celebrates McLaren’s unique position.
The point of the auction is public ownership of history
McLaren’s groundbreaking auction strategy redefines the relationship between motorsport teams and collectors by offering ownership of racing history before it unfolds. This unprecedented approach demonstrates the team’s confidence in their competitive future while creating new revenue streams in an increasingly expensive sport.
The December sale will test whether collectors are willing to invest in potential rather than proven success, potentially setting a new standard for motorsport auctions. The success of this innovative approach could inspire other teams to explore similar strategies, fundamentally changing how racing heritage is valued and preserved.
GCN.com/Reuters