McLaren F1 car yet to be built sells for millions

One lucky buyer has purchased a unique McLaren Formula 1 car - which doesn't even exist! 

McLaren has decided to sell an example of its 2026 F1 car with which Lando Norris will defend his world championship, before the design is even built for just $11,480,000 USD or £8,613,329 GBP. 

The car, which is to feature a complete Mercedes High Performance Powertrains engine and come complete with a set of McLaren engineers to help run it, will not be delivered to the buyer until the first quarter of 2028. 

This is to ensure that rival teams cannot gain access to McLaren's intellectual property in the design, with a non-running 2025 show car set to be presented in the meantime. 

Once delivered, the owner will be able to drive the car at designated demonstrations and track days. 

The machine, dubbed the MCL40A will be one of Norris's or Oscar Piastri's chassis. 

Examples of the 2026 Indycar used in the IndyCar series and of McLaren's return to the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship in 2027 are also being sold.

The winner, and five guests, are set to receive a number of special perks, including meeting Zak Brown, Norris, and Piastri and a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre ahead of next season. 

They may also attend the public launch of the car, and two grands prix, including Monaco. 

They will also be able to visit the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

McLaren remains the only constructor in motorsport history to win all three races in the 'triple crown' of motorsport.

NOTE: Image used in this article is of Norris driving the 2025 championship-winning MCL39.