McLaren sells 2026 F1 car for $11.5 million before it's even built

McLaren has sold a future 2026 Formula 1 car for $11.48 million before the vehicle has even been built. The unique sale, part of a broader auction of future race cars, includes one of the actual chassis that will be used by either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri to defend a world championship.

Why it matters:

This unprecedented sale blurs the line between a collector's item and a genuine piece of future F1 competition. It represents a novel and extremely high-value revenue stream for a top team, capitalizing on fan and collector passion by offering exclusive access to technology and experiences years in advance.

The details:

• The car, designated the MCL40A, was sold for $11,480,000 (approximately £8.6 million).
• It will be a complete Mercedes-powered car from the 2026 season, featuring a full Mercedes High Performance Powertrains engine.
• Delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028, a significant delay intended to prevent rival teams from gaining access to McLaren's intellectual property before the car competes.
• The buyer will receive a non-running 2025 show car in the interim.
• The package includes a team of McLaren engineers to help run the car at designated demonstrations and track days once delivered.

The big picture:

The 2026 F1 car was not sold in isolation. McLaren also auctioned examples of its future IndyCar series contender and its 2027 Hypercar for the World Endurance Championship. This strategy allows the team to monetize its racing legacy and future across multiple premier series simultaneously, leveraging its unique status as the only constructor to have won the 'triple crown' of motorsport (Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, and 24 Hours of Le Mans).

What's next:

The winning bidder and five guests will receive an extensive VIP package.

• This includes meetings with CEO Zak Brown and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, plus a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre.
• They will attend the car's public launch, two Grand Prix weekends (including Monaco), the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• All eyes will now be on whether this sale sets a precedent for other top F1 teams to offer similar ultra-exclusive future assets to deep-pocketed collectors.