McLaren to auction trio of future race cars at Abu Dhabi GP

©McLaren

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In a motorsport first, McLaren Racing has joined forces with RM Sotheby’s to offer an unprecedented chance for deep-pocketed enthusiasts to buy not just a slice of the manufacuturer’s history – but a slice of its future.

The ground-breaking high-profile auction will take place on December 5th, right in the heart of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, as the Formula 1 season roars to its finale.

And the headline act? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own, not one, but three factory-built McLaren competition cars from different world-class series — before they’ve even been officially launched!

A Triple Crown Triumph in the Making

McLaren Racing, the only team to ever claim the coveted motorsport Triple Crown – with victories at the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, and Le Mans 24 Hours – is doubling down on its legacy.

The auction will feature a trio of future racers: a 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship car, a 2026 NTT IndyCar Series contender, and team papaya's inaugural 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar challenger.

The bold move underscores McLaren’s ambition to reclaim its Triple Crown glory, having first conquered Indy in 1976, Monaco in 1984, and Le Mans on its debut in 1995.

©X/UnitedAutosports

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, unveiled the game-changing auction at Monterey Car Week in California on Wednesday, where a McLaren F1 car and IndyCar machine were on display.

“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 explained.

“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.”

A First-of-Its-Kind Auction

What makes this auction a true pit stop in history? It’s the first time a future Formula 1 car will be publicly auctioned before its official debut.

Lucky bidders will take possession of their track-tested machines only after they’ve battled it out in their respective racing series, ensuring they’re not just collector’s items but battle-hardened pieces of motorsport lore.

Read also:

Brown: F1 will always be McLaren’s ‘centre of the universe’

Add to that the promise of exclusive VIP access to McLaren’s teams and trackside action, and you’ve got a deal that’s as exhilarating as a final-lap overtake.

This innovative partnership between McLaren Racing and RM Sotheby’s is set to redefine what it means to own a piece of racing history.

So, if you’ve got the means and a need for speed, mark your calendars for December 5. Abu Dhabi is calling, and these future McLaren racers will be ready to find their new home!

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.