McLaren’s “Triple Crown” Auction Raises Nearly $20 Million in Abu Dhabi
McLaren Racing’s innovative “Triple Crown” auction, held in partnership with RM Sotheby’s in Abu Dhabi, successfully generated $19,927,500 for the team, under the leadership of CEO Zak Brown. The auction featured three highly anticipated vehicles from McLaren’s forthcoming motorsport endeavors: Formula 1, IndyCar, and WEC Hypercar.
The most cost-effective item, the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Dallara DW12-Chevrolet, which driver Pato O’Ward will utilize in his quest for the Indianapolis 500 in May, sold for $848,750. In stark contrast, a Dallara-built 2027 McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar fetched an impressive $7,598,750. Designed to compete in the full WEC calendar and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this LMDh prototype significantly outpaced the IndyCar in monetary value.
Dominating the auction was the 2026 McLaren Formula 1 Team MCL40A-Mercedes, which garnered $11,480,000. The winning bidder will have the unique opportunity to choose between cars driven by Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri. Crucially, the MCL40A will include a 2026-specification power unit from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains and will be delivered adorned in its season livery.
Key limitations accompany the MCL40A, given the stringent regulations governing Formula 1. The car will not be in the winner’s possession until the end of Q1 2028, during which McLaren will provide a non-running 2025 showcase model for display. “Since the dawn of the turbo-hybrid era in F1 in 2014, very few operational cars have been made available for private ownership,” emphasized a representative from RM Sotheby’s.
Additional perks for the MCL40A’s new owner include exclusive access to the McLaren Racing team, VIP experiences at numerous race events, and personal interactions with team principal Zak Brown and drivers Norris and Piastri. The winning bidder will also be eligible for future purchasing opportunities of upcoming McLaren Formula 1 racing cars.
For the LMDh Hypercar, the delivery timeline is expedited, with the winning bidder expected to receive the vehicle at the end of Q1 2028 after the 2027 season. The car will arrive in race-ready condition and include essential running gear, with the buyer also receiving a book documenting the car’s on-track history and a signed race suit from an as-yet-unnamed McLaren driver.
Both bidders will enjoy VIP hospitality packages for key races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix, alongside exclusive access to a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre.
In conclusion, the auction not only showcased McLaren’s premier assets but also highlighted the increasing market interest in rare motorsport collectibles and the team’s strategic engagement with fans and collectors.
