While it has not yet officially taken to the track, the McLaren 2026 is already causing panic among the counters.
Will the world champion team, doubly crowned in 2025 thanks to the triumph of Lando Norris among the drivers, be able to retain its crown in 2026? New regulations require (active aerodynamics, 50% electric motor), Formula 1 teams had to start from a blank copy to develop their new car in recent months.
While the private tests in Barcelona will take place behind closed doors and without TV broadcast, from January 26 to 30, we will have to wait for the official tests in Bahrain – from February 11 to 13, then from February 18 to 20 – to discover everyone’s new mounts on the track. A privilege currently reserved for a single lucky buyer for McLaren’s latest model.
9.7 million euros per car
One of the models of the brand new MCL40A was in fact put up for sale at auction with the assistance of RM Sotheby’s, on December 5 in Abu Dhabi. With an asking price of 10 million dollars (approximately 8.5 million euros), the car at its prototype stage was sold these days for 11.4 million dollars – or nearly 9.7 million euros.
In addition to F1, the winning bidder won exclusive access to the facilities in Woking, the nerve center of the world champion team based in England, not far from London. As well as VIP invitations to two Formula 1 Grand Prix next season, including the popular Monaco GP, but also the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500. A hell of a package!
