McLaren’s unraced 2026 F1 car fetches $11.4million in auction sale

The McLaren Formula 1 team's 2026 car has been sold at auction for $11.4million, despite not having raced yet. 

This sale places the car among some of the most expensive F1 machinery ever to change hands publicly. And surprisingly, this came before the Woking team has even been able to prove its performance next year. While auction prices for historic cars have reached eight figures before, the fact that this car is set to race in the future makes it an incredibly interesting sale. 

From 2026, F1 will introduce a substantial overhaul of the ruleset governing both the chassis and power units. While the cars will retain a 1.6-litre V6 engine, they will now use a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power. Entirely revised aerodynamics, intended to reduce drag and dirty air, will further level the playing field. 

The MCL40A follows these rules, and therefore the car is yet to be seen by the public or the successful bidder. In fact, the buyer won't receive the car until 2028 after it's completed its campaign in the hands of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. For now, the new owner will receive a 2025 show car to make the wait a little less painful.

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

To sweeten the deal further, the buyer and five guests of their choosing will visit the McLaren Technology Centre, where they will meet both drivers as well as McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, and will surely receive one of the latter's signature fist bumps. 

They will also attend the MCL40 launch event as well as a number of races with the team's hospitality in F1, Le Mans 24 Hours and Indianapolis 500.

Alongside this, McLaren also sold a 2026-spec Arrow McLaren IndyCar for $848,750 and a 2027 WEC Hypercar for a jaw-dropping $7,598,750. 

With F1 stepping into one of the biggest overhauls of recent years, McLaren has proven that even before the season starts, it's still on top in at least one area.