David Coulthard's Australian GP-Winning McLaren Heads to Auction

The very McLaren MP4-17D that delivered David Coulthard his 13th and final Formula 1 victory at the 2003 Australian Grand Prix is heading to auction. Chassis MP4-17A-06, upgraded for the 2003 season, is being offered without reserve at RM Sotheby's Paris sale, presenting a rare chance to own a machine with a celebrated competition history driven by both Coulthard and Kimi Räikkönen.

Why it matters:

This chassis represents the culmination of David Coulthard's Grand Prix-winning career, his final triumph on the world stage. It's a significant artifact from a turbulent yet competitive period for McLaren, which was forced to evolve its 2002 car for the 2003 season after a radical new design failed. The car's provenance is enhanced by its shared history with Kimi Räikkönen, who drove it to several podiums and nearly clinched the 2003 World Championship in it.

The details:

• The Auction: The car will be sold at RM Sotheby's European Flagship Sale in Paris on January 28 with no reserve and an estimate of €1 million to €1.4 million.
• Race History: Chassis MP4-17A-06 competed in 12 Grands Prix across the 2002 and 2003 seasons.
  • It famously won the 2003 Australian GP with Coulthard, who started 11th and masterfully navigated changeable conditions.
  • Kimi Räikkönen scored five podiums in the same chassis, including a second-place finish at the 2003 Japanese GP where he narrowly lost the title.
• Presentation: The car is presented in its 2002 'West' livery and carries the #4, associated with Räikkönen, rather than Coulthard's #5.
• Condition: After 17 years with the McLaren team, the car's Mercedes-Benz V10 engine will require a comprehensive rebuild before it can be run again.

Looking Ahead:

The sale offers a rare opportunity for collectors and motorsport enthusiasts to acquire a historically significant F1 car. While the new owner will need to invest in an engine rebuild, they will be purchasing a machine with a verified and celebrated competition history, driven by two highly competitive teammates. Its appearance on the market is a notable event in the world of historic F1 collectibles.