McLaren Puts 5 Historic F1 Cars Including Brad Pitt’s Test Car Up for Sale
McLaren Racing has announced the sale of five iconic Formula 1 vehicles from its private collection, featuring cars driven or tested by legendary figures, including Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Lando Norris, and notably Hollywood star Brad Pitt.
Five Cars Spanning Over Three Decades of Racing History
The five cars offered reflect three decades of McLaren’s involvement in Formula 1, covering the years 1991 through 2023. These are authentic race-used cars, not replicas, each with a significant racing pedigree. The collection includes two McLaren MP4/6As from the 1991 season powered by Honda’s naturally aspirated V12 engines. These cars were raced by Gerhard Berger and later tested by Ayrton Senna, a three-time world champion.
The 2012 McLaren MP4/27A chassis #01 was driven by Jenson Button and tested by Lewis Hamilton, marking part of a pivotal era before Hamilton’s move to Mercedes. From 2021, there is the MCL35M, famously raced by Lando Norris in distinctive Gulf Oil livery, which achieved podium finishes at key Grand Prix events.
The most recent and headline-grabbing car is the 2023 MCL37A chassis #03. Driven by Norris during the Formula 1 season, it was later tested by several drivers and notably by Brad Pitt as part of his preparation for the film F1: The Movie. Pitt reportedly pushed the car to nearly 317 km/h (197 mph) at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. This blend of elite racing heritage and cinematic connection makes this car particularly unique among this historic group.
Why McLaren Is Selling Its Legendary F1 Cars
McLaren CEO Zak Brown explained the rationale behind parting with these prized machines. He highlighted that these cars were constructed to race, not to remain stored away and hidden from public view. The sale aims to offer enthusiasts and collectors the chance to experience the vehicles firsthand on private tracks and historic racing events, preserving their legacy as active pieces of motorsport history.
The British dealer Tom Hartley Jnr has been appointed to manage the sale, with each car available individually. However, the possibility remains for a single collector to acquire the complete set. McLaren will ensure each car is track-ready and will provide ongoing support to owners post-sale.
Significance for Pakistani Enthusiasts
For Pakistani motorsport fans, this sale underscores the growing global interest in Formula 1 heritage and collectibles, reflecting how racing history intertwines with modern pop culture through figures like Brad Pitt. Although owning these cars is financially out of reach for most, the announcement reignites excitement about F1’s rich legacy and McLaren’s influence. With Formula 1’s popularity surging in Pakistan, stories like these foster greater appreciation and enthusiasm for the sport among local audiences.
