McLaren Sells Historic formula 1 Car for $10 Million, Offers Exclusive Access to Team
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A McLaren MP4-29 Formula 1 car, previously driven by Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen in the 2014 season, was recently sold at a Sotheby’s auction in abu Dhabi for $10 million. https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/mclaren-formula-1/mclaren-mp4-29-formula-1-race-car The sale included not just the car, but a package of exclusive experiences with the McLaren Formula 1 team, offering a unique possibility for a dedicated fan. Beyond the MP4-29, other McLaren vehicles were also auctioned, including a WEC hypercar prototype and an IndyCar chassis.
The $10 Million Package: More Than Just a Car
the winning bid for the MP4-29 secured the buyer a extensive McLaren experiance. While immediate, unrestricted driving isn’t part of the deal, the package offers important access and privileges:
* 2025 Demonstration Car Access: The owner will initially have access to a 2025 McLaren demonstration car.
* Limited Testing: Any on-track activity with the MP4-29 will be classified as “testing previous single-seaters,” subject to limitations imposed by racing regulations. McLaren will likely oversee these tests to ensure they align with their own development programs.
* Exclusive Team Access: The package includes exclusive access to McLaren’s Formula 1 drivers and team personnel.
* Grand Prix Hospitality: the buyer will receive access to the papaya-colored McLaren garage at two Grand Prix races next season.
* Technology Center Tour: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown will personally give the buyer a tour of the McLaren Technology Center in Woking, UK. https://www.mclaren.com/racing/mclaren-technology-centre/
* Driver Choice: At the end of the year, the owner will have the unique opportunity to choose exclusive ownership rights related to either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, though the specifics of this “ownership” remain unclear.
Other McLaren Vehicles sold at Auction
The auction wasn’t limited to Formula 1 cars. Two other McLaren vehicles found new owners:
* McLaren MCL40A (WEC Hypercar): A prototype of the car McLaren intends to compete with in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) hypercar category in 2027 sold for €6.52 million (approximately $7.06 million USD). https://www.mclaren.com/racing/mclaren-to-enter-wec-with-all-new-hypercar/
* McLaren DW12 (IndyCar): A chassis for the upcoming IndyCar season was sold for $728,000. https://www.indycar.com/news/mclaren-indycar-dw12-auction
Key Takeaways
* A 2014 McLaren MP4-29 Formula 1 car sold for $10 million at auction.
* The sale included exclusive access to the McLaren F1 team,including drivers and team principal Zak Brown.
* other McLaren race cars, including a WEC hypercar prototype and an IndyCar chassis, were also sold.
* While the buyer won’t promptly be able to race the MP4-29 freely, they will have limited testing opportunities and unparalleled access to the team.
Looking Ahead
This auction highlights the enduring appeal of Formula 1 and the value of owning a piece of motorsport history. McLaren’s innovative approach to the sale,bundling the car with an exclusive experience package,demonstrates a new way for teams to engage with passionate fans and generate revenue. As McLaren prepares for its return to the WEC with the MCL40A, and continues to compete in Formula 1 and IndyCar, these auctions represent a unique intersection of racing heritage and future ambitions.
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