FUTURE F1 CAR SELLS FOR $11.4M IN MCLAREN TRIPLE CROWN AUCTION
The $11.48 million sale of a 2026 McLaren F1 car is analyzed. The unprecedented deal includes a Mercedes PU, Norris/Piastri chassis choice, Le Mans/Monaco VIP passes, and delivery in 2028.
McLaren's Triple Crown auction in Abu Dhabi, handled by RM Sotheby's, saw future Formula 1, IndyCar, and WEC Hypercar machines sold for a total of $19,927,500. The team, led by CEO Zak Brown, is sure to put those funds to good use.
The most affordable item was Pato O'Ward's No. 5 Arrow McLaren Dallara DW12-Chevrolet, the car he plans to race in his quest for his first Indianapolis 500 win in May. It went for $848,750. Next up was a Dallara-built 2027 McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar, which sold for $7,598,750—almost ten times the price of the DW12. This LMDh-based prototype is slated for the full WEC schedule, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when the program kicks off in 2027.
The priciest sale was the 2026 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A-Mercedes, which fetched $11,480,000. The buyer gets to pick a car used by either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri.
RM Sotheby's says the MCL40A comes with a few conditions. The car will have a 2026-spec power unit from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains and will sport its season livery.
Because of strict rules designed to keep rivals from accessing intellectual property (especially important with the 2026 technical regulation changes), McLaren Racing will give the MCL40A to the winner at the close of the first quarter of 2028. Until then, the team will provide a 2025 non-functional show car for display. Once the private owner receives the chassis, it can be used in demo runs and at track days, supported by McLaren Racing engineers and mechanics to meet the operational and technical needs of McLaren Racing, MHPP, the FIA, and the FIA's suppliers.
Operational F1 cars have rarely ended up in private hands since the start of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014. Plus, it's not often that non-professional drivers get to experience such current machines so soon after their racing days. That's what makes the sale of an MCL40A that hasn't even raced yet so special.
To make the opportunity even better, the winner will get exclusive access to the McLaren Racing team (as noted here and in the Bidder's Conditions of Business) and the first chance to buy a future McLaren Formula 1 racing car, if McLaren offers it. They and five guests will also get to meet Brown, Norris, and Piastri and tour the McLaren Technology Centre headquarters in Woking before the 2026 F1 season. They can also attend the car's official launch and two races, including the Monaco Grand Prix. This includes VIP hospitality and access, plus the chance to watch track sessions from the team's pit garage and the McLaren Team Hub.
The car can be driven in demo runs and at track days, with full support from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrain engineers for the power unit and McLaren Racing for the chassis, and according to FIA requirements.
The auction house says the O'Ward Indy car winner will have it delivered at the close of the first quarter of 2028 in race-ready condition with running equipment. The 2026 car also comes with awesome extras. Arrow McLaren will give the buyer four VIP tickets to the Indy 500, including hospitality, a team garage tour, and pit and paddock access. The lucky four will also get a two-seater ride around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Also included is a tour of the new Arrow McLaren facility, dinner for four with Team Principal and 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan and President Kevin Thimjon, plus an autographed set of overalls worn by O'Ward during a track session leading up to the big race.
The McLaren LMDh has a shorter delivery time. After the 2027 season, the winner will get their hypercar directly from the factory at the close of the first quarter of 2028, in its season livery. The LMDh car, with a chassis tag bearing the new owner's name, will be handed over in race-ready condition with all necessary running gear. It can also be used on track under the prescribed standards of operational and technical management, as well as FIA/ACO/IMSA LMDh rules. The owner will be invited to McLaren Pure driving events.
The buyer will own the WEC Hypercar and receive a book about the selected chassis, documenting its track history. An autographed race suit worn by one of the yet-to-be-named McLaren United AS drivers is also included.
The winner will also receive four VIP tickets and hospitality at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026, plus hospitality for two at that year's Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500. While their future car makes its mark, they will also get two hospitality tickets for all rounds of the 2027 FIA WEC campaign. This also includes a private tour of the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking and access to buy future special-edition McLaren cars.
GEORGE RUSSELL ADMITS ANTONELLI IS "EXCEPTIONALLY QUICK" BUT REFUSES TO CONCEDE TITLE
Kimi Antonelli secured his 3rd straight F1 win in Miami, leaving George Russell 43 seconds behind and 20 points down in the title race. (130 chars)
George Russell isn’t flinching. He’s not ready to let go of the story, even as Kimi Antonelli keeps grabbing headlines. Antonelli’s been tearing it up this season – three straight wins, all from pole – and it’s got people talking. Miami was rough for Russell; he finished fourth, over 43 seconds behind Antonelli. That gap isn’t just big; it’s glaring, and it’s putting some real heat on their rivalry at Mercedes.
Russell isn’t pretending things are fine, but he’s not throwing in the towel either. He gets what Antonelli’s doing and gives props where they’re deserved. “He’s a fantastic driver, and he’s been fast since day one,” Russell said. “You don’t win all those championships as a kid if you’re not quick.” He means it, but he’s also drawing a boundary. Russell still believes in himself, and he’s not giving up on the championship.
“I’ve still got confidence in myself, and I haven’t forgotten how to drive,” he said with a little smile. “It’s just a tricky patch, but we’re only four races in; there’s a lot more to come. We’ll sort things out over the next few weeks.”
That “tricky patch” doesn’t just mean some tough luck; it includes a 20-point deficit and a teammate who won’t stop rewriting history. Antonelli’s winning streak has changed the vibe at Mercedes, at least for now.
Russell knows all about momentum and how it doesn’t always stick around. “He’s got momentum right now; he’s flying,” Russell admitted. “But I’ve won championships myself, and I know momentum swings back and forth all year.” He actually doesn’t seem bothered by the points gap. “Honestly, I’m not even thinking about it,” he said.
It’s a calm answer from a guy who’s been here before, leaning on experience while Antonelli rides his hot streak. Russell keeps saying 'big picture, patience, not panic'.
“I just want to get back on top of the podium,” he said. “I had the pace for the first three races, but this weekend I was nowhere close. It could have gone very differently these last few weeks, and this weekend could’ve just been a blip. But some races in Japan and China didn’t go my way. That’s how F1 goes sometimes.”
Still, confidence doesn’t erase a 20-point gap, not if Antonelli keeps cruising. If Antonelli keeps piling up wins, Russell’s going to have to fight more than just the stopwatch. Losing to your teammate over and over starts to mess with your head. Russell began the season as the guy to beat, but the longer this keeps up, the tougher it gets to grab hold of the story again.
He’s holding firm, for now. But F1 doesn’t wait for anyone. What does Russell call “just a tricky run”? Well, if momentum doesn’t swing his way soon, it could become a whole lot more than that.
MAX VERSTAPPEN TAKES FRONT ROW IN MIAMI AS RED BULL UPGRADES DELIVER IMMEDIATE RESULTS
Charles Leclerc admitted surprise at Red Bull's pace after Max Verstappen finished P2, just 0.166s behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.
Charles Leclerc expected Red Bull to bounce back, but he couldn’t help admiring Max Verstappen’s raw speed at the Miami Grand Prix.
Red Bull rolled into Miami with a big upgrade, looking to recover after a rough start to the season. Verstappen, a four-time world champ, landed his Red Bull in second during qualifying. He was only 0.166 seconds behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes, nearly snatching pole. After qualifying, Verstappen said he finally feels like he’s back in control of his car.
Leclerc was impressed by the turnaround. “Honestly, it’s not shocking to see Kimi up there. Mercedes has been the quickest team this year, and Kimi’s been amazing these last few races,” Leclerc said. “But Max and Red Bull are coming back like this? That’s a bit more surprising. The upgrades clearly worked, and you can’t forget how strong that team really is. You never expect them to just sit back and accept a slow start.”
He added, “We figured they’d come back swinging, but to see them right back on the front row after struggling at the start… that’s something else. It’s pretty remarkable. Still, my job’s the same: beat those guys. That’s where my head’s at right now.”
Leclerc had to settle for third on the grid for Sunday’s race. Ferrari looked strong early in qualifying, but their hopes faded by Q3.
He talked about the changing conditions, but didn’t think that’s what hurt Ferrari. “The wind definitely played a part, but track temperature wasn’t all that different, so I don’t think that’s the reason,” he said. “Maybe the track changed, and we didn’t see it coming, or maybe pushing harder today in qualifying just made our car’s weak spots stand out more.”
Leclerc admitted he hadn’t dug into the numbers yet; he’d just gotten out of the car. “We’ll have to check the details to figure out exactly where we lost time.”
