McLaren’s car for the 2026 Formula 1 season has been sold for a staggering $11.4million at an auction, prior to the MCL40 even turning a wheel on the track.
The Woking-based squad revelled in a stellar 2025, taking 14 victories en route to retaining the Constructors’ Championship, as Lando Norris won the Drivers’ title.
McLaren’s stranglehold on both trophies is set to be tested to the extreme next season as sweeping changes are introduced to both the chassis and engine regulations.
The car that Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri will pilot in 2026 was put to auction earlier this month, with the winning bid amounting to an eye-watering $11.4m.
That made it the sixth most expensive F1 car to be auctioned. The record continues to lie with the 1954 Mercedes W196R, which was purchased for €51.155m in 2025.
McLaren will deliver the car, fitted with its Mercedes power unit, to the winning bidder early in 2028, while a 2025 show car will be provided for the intervening period.
Meanwhile, one individual and five guests will have the chance to meet both drivers, plus McLaren CEO Zak Brown, at the side’s Woking base before the new season.
McLaren will also host them at the MCL40’s launch event, while hospitality will be put on at two F1 Grands Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500 in 2026.
The ‘Triple Crown’ auction event also welcomed bids on McLaren’s 2026 challenger in IndyCar and the car that will run in the World Endurance Championship in 2027.
READ MORE – McLaren believes beating Max Verstappen gives added prestige to Lando Norris’ F1 title success
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