F1 fans can buy McLaren's 2026 car as world champions launch groundbreaking auction

McLaren are giving fans the unprecedented opportunity to own the team's 2026 F1 car, which hasn't even turned a lap yet. Zak Brown's squad are hosting an auction that also contains its first Hypercar from their World Endurance Championship debut campaign in 2027, and Pato O'Ward's IndyCar machine that will race in next year's Indianapolis 500.

The auction will be hosted by RM Sotheby's, who have previously overseen the sales of some of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton's F1 cars, and will take place at this year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The lucky winner will have to wait until 2028 to take delivery of their 2026 McLaren F1 car, but in the meantime, they will receive a placeholder in the form of this season's MCL39.

"This auction is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of racing history and bid for a car that has competed on track before its official launch," said McLaren Racing CEO Brown, discussing the auction.

"The Triple Crown is a huge part of our heritage, and we are determined to claim it once again as we prepare for our 2027 entry into the World Endurance Championship. Not only that, these incredible cars will come with unprecedented VIP access to the team and action on track."

This auction might not be the only thing McLaren will settle in Abu Dhabi. Heading into the final 10 races of the 2025 campaign, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are separated by nine points at the top of the Drivers' Championship standings.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express F1 newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

With Max Verstappen now 97 points back from Piastri at the top of the order, the 2025 Drivers' Championship looks like a two-horse race, while McLaren already have the Constructors' Championship title in the bag after winning 11 of the first 14 Grands Prix.

However, McLaren's dominance is making it tough for Piastri and Norris to generate a significant advantage in their respective battle. The duo have scored four straight one-two finishes, meaning the points swing each weekend rarely exceeds seven.

"It's going to come down to execution," Brown predicted in an interview with The Race earlier this month. "It's clear, from a pace point of view, there's nothing in it. So, it's going to come down to consistency of execution - or it could come down to luck of the draw: weather, safety car, or one guy gets wiped out by someone else on the track."