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McLaren announces historic sale of future F1, IndyCar and WEC cars

By Bruce Brown Dec 1, 2025 10:47 AM

RM Sotherbys auction of three McLaren race cars. — RM Sotheby’s

McLaren Racing is preparing to do something no major team has tried before. Three race cars from future seasons will be offered to the public in December, giving bidders a shot at machinery that hasn’t even been fully revealed yet. The announcement came during RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, where McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown confirmed the plan.

The sale will take place in Abu Dhabi on December 5, 2025, during the final Formula 1 race of the season. The cars span Formula 1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship WEC), reflecting the team’s return to endurance racing and its push to strengthen all three programs. For collectors and motorsport followers, the opportunity is unusual. Buying future competition chassis at public auction is almost unheard of, which is why this move stands out.

The three upcoming McLaren race cars

Leading the lineup is a 2026 McLaren Formula 1 Team car. It marks the first time a future F1 chassis has been offered publicly, and the buyer will eventually take delivery of a car raced by either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri during the 2026 season. Delivery is scheduled for 2028, and a 2025 show car will be provided on lease in the meantime. The purchase includes a visit to the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking and access to team activities throughout the process.

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Alongside the F1 entry is McLaren’s first LMDh hypercar from its debut season in the FIA World Endurance Championship. This marks the team’s renewed push into endurance racing as it works to reinforce its Triple Crown legacy. The hypercar represents the opening chapter of McLaren’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and offers collectors a rare opportunity to secure a top-class WEC chassis.

The third car is a 2026 Arrow McLaren IndyCar driven by Pato O’Ward in the Indianapolis 500. O’Ward remains a leading figure in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and holds a strong position in the current championship. His 2026 Indy 500 car rounds out the trio, adding the U.S. series to the set and giving bidders a complete look at McLaren’s active racing programs.

Additional access and perks

Each lot includes a substantial package of behind-the-scenes access. Buyers receive tours of McLaren sites, VIP tickets and preferential access to certain road and race car purchase opportunities. The combination of future race machinery and insider access makes the sale notable, particularly as McLaren continues expanding its involvement across Formula 1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship.

Bruce Brown Contributing Editor As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce… Read Full Bio

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