McLaren Sells Unbuilt 2026 F1 Car for $11.4 Million

Fresh off a dominant 2025 championship season, McLaren has sold its yet-to-be-built 2026 Formula 1 car for a staggering $11.48 million. The world-first auction of the future MCL40A highlights the team's commercial ambition and offers an unprecedented package for a high-net-worth F1 enthusiast, setting a new precedent in the sport.

Why it matters:

This sale establishes a new and lucrative revenue model for F1 teams, moving beyond traditional sponsorship and prize money. For McLaren, it's a bold statement of confidence in their post-championship trajectory and the appeal of their brand under the new 2026 regulations. It also demonstrates how teams can creatively leverage their assets, even future ones, to engage with a new tier of fans and collectors.

The details:

• The Price: The MCL40A sold for $11.48 million, making it the sixth-most expensive F1 car ever auctioned.
• The Car: The winning bidder receives the actual 2026 race car, complete with a Mercedes power unit, delivered in the first quarter of 2028.
• The Experience: The package is more than just the car. It includes:
  • A meet-and-greet with CEO Zak Brown and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the McLaren Technology Centre.
  • Hospitality at two F1 races, including the Monaco Grand Prix, plus access to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500.
• The Interim: While waiting for the 2026 car, the buyer gets a showcar version of McLaren's championship-winning 2025 machine for display purposes.
• Other Sales: The auction also featured a 2026 Arrow McLaren IndyCar, which sold for $848,750, and the team's 2027 WEC hypercar, which fetched $7.6 million.

Looking ahead:

This unprecedented sale could set a new trend across the grid, with other teams exploring similar high-value auctions for future assets. For McLaren, the move adds another layer of expectation to their 2026 campaign. With a car already sold for a record sum, the pressure is on to deliver a competitive contender that lives up to its price tag and helps them defend their hard-won titles in a season of massive regulatory overhaul.