McLaren’s unique “Triple Crown” auction for the sale of future Formula 1, IndyCar and WEC Hypercar machines went under the hammer in Abu Dhabi at RM Sotheby’s, generating a total of $19,927,500 for the racing team led by CEO Zak Brown.
The No. 5 Arrow McLaren Dallara DW12-Chevrolet Pato O’Ward will use in pursuit of his first win at the Indianapolis 500 in May was the most affordable of the trio on offer at $848,750. Next on the bill was a Dallara-built 2027 McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar, which fetched almost ten times the price of the DW12 at $7,598,750. The LMDh-based prototype that will contest the entire WEC calendar, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when the program kicks off in 2027.
The biggest sale was of the 2026 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A-Mercedes, which raised $11,480,000, with the winner choosing a car used by Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri.
According to RM Sotheby’s, the caveats surrounding the MCL40A are significant, namely that the car “will come complete with a 2026-spec powerplant from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains and will be presented in the seasonal livery.
“Given the strict rules put in place to prevent rivals from accessing relevant intellectual property (an element reinforced by the changes to the technical regulations for the 2026 season), McLaren Racing will deliver the MCL40A to the winning bidder at the end of the first quarter of 2028. In the meantime, the team will provide a non-driving 2025 show car for demonstration purposes. Once transferred to the private owner, the chassis can be used in designated demonstration runs and on track days, supported by a team of McLaren Racing engineers and mechanics to meet the operational and technical requirements of McLaren Racing, MHPP, the FIA and the FIA’s joint suppliers regarding the use of the Formula 1 car.
“Very few operational cars have entered private ownership since the start of the turbo-hybrid era in F1 in 2014. Furthermore, circumstances rarely arise where non-professional drivers experience such modern machines so soon after their front-line careers. It further reinforces why the sale of an unraced MCL40A is so remarkable.”
“To make the opportunity on offer here even more special, the winning bidder will receive exclusive access to the McLaren Racing team – as detailed here and in the bidder’s terms of business – plus the exclusive first right of refusal to purchase, if offered by McLaren, a future McLaren Formula 1 racing car. In addition, they and five guests will be invited to meet Brown, Norris and Piastri, and tour the team’s world-famous McLaren Technology Center headquarters in Woking, ahead of the 2026 F1 season. In addition, they can attend the official public launch of the car plus two races, including the historic Monaco Grand Prix. This also includes premium hospitality experiences and exclusive access, and the ability to watch selected track sessions from the team’s pit garage and the McLaren Team Hub.
“The car may be driven during demonstration drives and at track day events; driven with the full support of a dedicated team of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrain engineers in relation to the Power Unit, McLaren Racing in relation to the chassis, and in accordance with the requirements of the FIA and the FIA’s joint suppliers.”
According to the auction house, the winner of O’Ward’s Indy car will have it “delivered in race-ready condition with running equipment by the end of the first quarter of 2028,” and “the 2026 car will continue to be offered with an amazing range of extras. Arrow McLaren will give the buyer four VIP tickets to the Indy 500, a hospitality package, a tour of the team garage, plus access to the pit and paddock. Really worth a visit To make the Brickyard unforgettable, the lucky four will experience a two-seater ride around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Also included is a tour of the new-for-2026 Arrow McLaren facility, a dinner for four with team principal and 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan and president Kevin Thimjon, plus a signed set of overalls to be worn by 2025 runner-up O’Ward during a track session in May. build-up to the great race.
For the McLaren LMDh, the timeline to receive the car is shorter because “following the conclusion of the 2027 season, the winning bidder will receive its Hypercar in its seasonal livery straight from the factory at the end of the first quarter of 2028. Soon, the LMDh challenger, which will soon proudly wear a chassis plaque with the name of its new owner, will be handed over in race-ready condition and delivered with all necessary running gear. A solid highlight of any collection, the The car may also are used on track in accordance with prescribed operational and technical management standards, as well as FIA/ACO/IMSA LMDh regulations and mandatory requirements. The owner is invited to participate in McLaren Pure racing events.
“The buyer will not only consider themselves the owner of the WEC Hypercar, but will also receive a book dedicated to the selected chassis, which will document its on-track history. A signed racing suit as worn by one of the yet-to-be-announced McLaren United AS drivers will also be included.
“In addition, the winning bidder will receive four VIP tickets and a hospitality experience at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, in addition to a hospitality experience for two at that year’s Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500. Then, as their future car writes its motorsport legacy as the calendar unfolds, they will also receive two hospitality tickets for all rounds of the 2027 FIA WEC campaign. In addition, as part of this remarkable lot, a private tour of the McLaren Technology Center in Woking, plus access to purchase future special edition McLaren cars.”
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