Ayrton Senna's Legendary 1991 Brazilian GP-Winning McLaren Heads to Auction

An iconic piece of Ayrton Senna's legacy, the McLaren MP4/6 he drove to victory in the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix—a pivotal race on his path to a third world championship—is set to be auctioned, with an estimated sale price of $15 million.

Why it matters:

This particular McLaren represents one of Senna's most famous and hardest-fought victories, cementing his legend in his home country. Its sale offers a unique opportunity for collectors to own a significant piece of Formula 1 history, symbolizing a defining moment in one of the sport's greatest careers.

The Details:

• The Car: Chassis MP4/6/1, designed by Neil Oatley, powered by an all-new 720bhp Honda V12 engine. This car was instrumental in Senna securing his third and final world championship in 1991.
• The Race: The 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix saw Senna overcome a failing gearbox with just 10 laps remaining. Despite having only sixth gear and no engine braking, he famously nursed the car to victory by 2.991 seconds over Riccardo Patrese, struggling with muscle spasms and exhaustion upon exiting the car.
• Senna's Perspective: Senna himself described this win as “not the greatest win in my life, but it was the hardest-fought one,” highlighting the immense physical and mental challenge he overcame.
• Ownership History: The car remained part of McLaren's heritage collection until it was sold privately in 2020. It has since been maintained in race-ready condition.
• Auction Details: RM Sotheby’s will auction the car next month, with estimates suggesting it could fetch up to $15 million, positioning it as one of the most expensive F1 cars ever sold.

The Big Picture:

Formula 1 memorabilia, especially cars driven by legends, continues to command staggering prices at auction. Earlier this year, Michael Schumacher's 2001 championship-winning Ferrari sold for $18.5 million, while Juan Manuel Fangio's 1955 Mercedes W196 holds the record at nearly $60 million. The sale of Senna's McLaren reflects the enduring appeal and financial value of iconic moments in motorsport history.

Looking Ahead:

While the exact sale price remains to be seen, the auction of Senna's MP4/6 is expected to draw significant attention from collectors and fans worldwide. Its sale will undoubtedly reinforce Ayrton Senna's profound and lasting impact on Formula 1, further solidifying his status as an unparalleled icon whose legacy continues to captivate generations.