Kimi Räikkönen's 2002 McLaren MP4-17A Heads to Auction for €1.4 Million

A 2002 McLaren MP4-17A driven by both Kimi Räikkönen and David Coulthard is set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby's Paris 2026 auction. Chassis 06, with an estimated price of up to €1.4 million, boasts a rich history including five podium finishes and a dramatic race win during the highly competitive V10 era of Formula 1.

Why it matters:

This car represents a golden era of Formula 1, defined by screaming V10 engines and a legendary Ferrari-McLaren rivalry. For collectors, owning a chassis driven by a future World Champion in his rookie season, and by a veteran for his final win, is a unique opportunity. Designed by the legendary Adrian Newey, the MP4-17A is a significant piece of F1's engineering and competitive history.

The details:

• Rookie Debut: Chassis 06 was introduced mid-2002 and was Räikkönen's primary car for his rookie season, immediately scoring a podium on its debut at the European Grand Prix. The Finn went on to secure two more podiums with the car that season.
• Coulthard's Final Win: The car's most famous moment came in 2003. After being upgraded, it was driven by David Coulthard to victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix—his 13th and final career win.
• Final Bow: Its last F1 appearance was at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix with Räikkönen back at the wheel, where he finished second behind Rubens Barrichello's Ferrari.
• As-Raced Condition: The car is sold in its original 2002 West livery with Räikkönen's #4 and includes its 3.0-liter Mercedes-Benz FO110 V10 engine. It will require a full mechanical rebuild before it can run on track again.
• Provenance: The chassis remained in McLaren's own collection for 17 years after its racing career before being sold to its current private owner in 2021.

Looking Ahead:

The Paris 2026 auction will be a major event for F1 collectors. Given the car's provenance, driver history, and connection to a beloved era of racing, it is expected to generate significant interest. For the successful buyer, the opportunity to restore and potentially hear the Mercedes V10 roar back to life on a historic track day would be the ultimate prize, cementing this MP4-17A as a centerpiece of any collection.