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McLaren’s unique “Triple Crown” auction to sell future Formula 1, IndyCar and WEC Hypercar machinery went under the hammer in Abu Dhabi with RM Sotheby’s and generated a combined $19,927,500 for the racing team led by CEO Zak Brown.
The No. 5 Arrow McLaren Dallara DW12-Chevrolet Pato O’Ward will use in pursuit of his first Indianapolis 500 victory in May was the most affordable of the trio on offer at $848,750. Next on the bill was a Dallara-built 2027 McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar which commanded nearly 10 times the DW12’s price at $7,598,750. The LMDh-based prototype that will contest the full WEC calendar, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, when the program launches in 2027.
The biggest sale belonged to the 2026 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A-Mercedes which went for $11,480,000 where the winner will be able to choose a car used by Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri.
According to RM Sotheby’s, the caveats included with the MCL40A are significant, which says the car “will come complete with a 2026-specification power unit from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains and will be presented in its season livery.
“Given the strict regulations conceived to prevent rivals from gaining access to relevant intellectual property (an element heightened by the technical regulation changes for the 2026 season), McLaren Racing will deliver the MCL40A to the winning bidder at the end of the first quarter of 2028. In the meantime, the team shall provide a 2025 non-running show car for display purposes. Once handed over to its private owner, the chassis may be used in designated demonstration runs and at track days, supported by a crew of McLaren Racing engineers and mechanics to fulfil operational and technical requirements of McLaren Racing, MHPP, the FIA and the FIA’s common suppliers in respect to the use of the Formula 1 car.
“Since the dawn of the turbo-hybrid era in F1 in 2014, extremely few operational cars have ever made their way into private ownership. Moreover, very seldom do the circumstances arise for non-professional racing drivers to experience such contemporary machinery so soon after its front-line career. It further cements why the sale of a yet unraced MCL40A is so remarkable.
“Making the opportunity presented here even more special, the winning bidder will gain exclusive access to the McLaren Racing team – as described here and in the Bidder’s Conditions of Business – plus the exclusive first right of refusal to purchase, if offered by McLaren, a future McLaren Formula 1 racing car. Furthermore, they and five guests will be invited to meet Brown, Norris and Piastri, and tour the team’s world-famous McLaren Technology Centre headquarters in Woking ahead of the 2026 F1 season. In addition, they may attend the official public launch of the car plus two races, including the historic Monaco Grand Prix. This also comprises premium hospitality experiences and exclusive access, and the opportunity to watch selected track sessions from the team’s pit garage and the McLaren Team Hub.
“The car may be driven in demonstration runs and at track day events; operated with the full support of a dedicated crew of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrain engineers in respect of the Power Unit, McLaren Racing in respect of the chassis, and to the requirements of the FIA and the FIA’s common suppliers.”
Per the auction house, the winner of O’Ward’s Indy car will have it “delivered at the end of the first quarter of 2028 in race-ready condition supplied with running equipment,” and, “The 2026 car is further offered with an astounding array of extras. Arrow McLaren will give the buyer four VIP tickets to the Indy 500, a package that includes hospitality treatment, a tour of the team garage, plus pit and paddock access. Truly making their visit to the Brickyard unforgettable, the lucky four will get to experience a two-seater ride around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Also included is a tour of the new-for-2026 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 that will be worn by 2025 runner-up O’Ward for a track session during the Month of May build-up to the great race.”
For the McLaren LMDh, the timeline to receive the car is shorter as “following the conclusion of the 2027 season, the winning bidder will take delivery directly from the factory of their Hypercar in its season livery at the end of the first quarter of 2028. Soon to proudly wear a chassis tag inscribed with the new owner’s name, the LMDh challenger will be handed over in race-ready condition and supplied with all necessary running gear. A firm highlight of any collection, the car may also be used on track in accordance with prescribed standard of operational and technical management as well as the FIA/ACO/IMSA LMDh regulations and mandatory requirements. The owner will be invited to participate in McLaren Pure driving events.
“The buyer will not only count themselves as the owner of the WEC Hypercar but will also receive a book dedicated to the selected chassis, which will document its on-track history. An autographed race suit as worn by one of the yet-to-be-announced McLaren United AS drivers will also be included.
“Furthermore, the winning bidder will receive four VIP tickets and a hospitality experience at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026, alongside a hospitality experience for two persons at that year’s Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500. Then, while their future car writes its motorsport legacy as the calendar unfolds, they will also receive two hospitality tickets for all rounds of the 2027 FIA WEC campaign. Additionally, featured as part of this remarkable lot is a private tour of the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, plus access to purchase future special-edition McLaren cars.”
