Why Is McLaren Selling Their 2026 F1 Car? Explained

McLaren is making headlines with a unique and surprising move, selling their 2026 F1 car before it even hits the track! But why is this happening, and what does it mean? Let’s find out.

McLaren To Sell Their 2026 F1 Car

First off, McLaren announced it will auction off their 2026 F1 car at the end of the 2025 season. This car, which will be driven by either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri next year, is part of a special auction event alongside other exciting racing machines like their 2026 IndyCar and their 2027 endurance racing car.

Here’s the interesting part: the winning bidder won’t get the actual car right away. Instead, they’ll receive it in 2028, two years after the auction! Until then, they get to lease a 2025 show car to enjoy, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to McLaren’s team and events.

So, why would McLaren sell a brand-new, yet-to-be-raced 2026 F1 car?

One big reason is that this move is groundbreaking; it’s the first time a Formula 1 car has been sold before its public debut. CEO Zak Brown explained that owning this car means owning a piece of racing history, especially since McLaren is the only team to have won the “Triple Crown” of motorsport, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This auction is not just about selling a car; it’s about celebrating the team’s incredible legacy and its ambitious future. Some possibilities behind the move are:

Unique Opportunity for Collectors: This is the first time an F1 team is offering a future race car for sale before its public debut on the track, making it a rare and special chance for collectors to own a piece of motorsport history.

Delayed Delivery: The winning bidder won’t receive the actual racing car until 2028, after the car has been raced and retired from competition. Until then, a 2025 show car will be provided on lease as a placeholder.

Exclusive Access: The buyer will get VIP access to McLaren’s Technology Centre, team events, and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Financial and Strategic Move: CEO Zak Brown highlighted this as an extraordinary event and part of McLaren’s broader plan as they prepare to compete in new motorsport series like the World Endurance Championship in 2027. It may also help McLaren generate cash flow and market excitement around the brand ahead of the upcoming new technical regulations in Formula 1.

Also read: All About McLaren’s Triple Crown: The Only Team To Do So