McLaren to Auction Historic F1 Cars Driven by Hamilton, Norris, and Senna

McLaren is set to auction a selection of its historic F1 cars, offering a unique opportunity for collectors with deep pockets. The lineup includes cars once driven by Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and the legendary Ayrton Senna.

Five cars from McLaren's storied past are on the auction block. Among them is the 1991 MP4-6, tested by Senna and powered by a naturally aspirated Honda V12, though it was actually raced by Gerhard Berger. Fast forward to 2012, and you'll find the MP4-27, tested by Hamilton but raced by Jenson Button. More recently, a 2021 MCL35M, which Lando Norris raced in its striking Gulf livery at the Monaco GP, is also up for grabs. The collection is rounded out with an MCL37, driven by Norris in 2023 and even tested by actor Brad Pitt.

Zak Brown, McLaren Racing's CEO, explained the decision: "We believe these cars should be enjoyed, not just stored. They were built to race, and we want to see them keep our history alive." Tom Hartley Junior, who managed Bernie Ecclestone’s collection sale, is handling this auction, emphasizing the rarity of buying directly from a manufacturer.

Expected to fetch between five and ten million pounds, the auction offers a rare chance to own a piece of F1 history. This follows the sale of Hamilton’s 2010 Turkish GP-winning car, which sold for £4.8 million in 2021. Such sales are a testament to McLaren's commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich racing legacy.