Adrian Newey-designed Lewis Hamilton-driven...

Adrian Newey-designed Lewis Hamilton-driven McLaren auctioned for… Full Story 👇

A significant piece of Formula 1 history recently went under the hammer at a Sotheby’s auction: a 2006 McLaren MP4-21, designed by the renowned Adrian Newey and tested by Lewis Hamilton, was sold with a guide price estimated between £2.2 million and £2.7 million, according to reports from Top Gear.

This particular McLaren model holds a unique place in F1 lore. It was one of the first Formula 1 cars tested by Hamilton, who was just 21 years old at the time. The MP4-21 is not only a testament to Hamilton’s early career but also represents one of the final contributions from Adrian Newey during his tenure at McLaren. Newey, one of the most successful and influential car designers in F1 history, ended his time with McLaren after this car, marking the end of an era for the team.

Initially, the MP4-21 was driven by Juan Pablo Montoya during the opening three races of the 2006 F1 season. The car was powered by a Mercedes-Benz FO108S 2.4-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine, making it the first McLaren to use this engine configuration. This specific chassis, 21A-03, has since been meticulously restored to its original, functional specifications, complete with its original engine, gearbox, onboard computer, and steering wheel.

The rarity of this auction lies in the fact that it’s uncommon for an F1 car driven by Hamilton, especially one from his early career, to be available outside of factory collections. This car serves as a tangible piece of Hamilton’s journey to becoming one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history. Just a year after testing this very car, Hamilton went on to secure his first F1 World Championship in 2007, solidifying his place in the annals of motorsport history.

The auction began several days ago, and while the final sale price has yet to be confirmed, the car’s historical significance, coupled with its connection to both Newey and Hamilton, undoubtedly made it a coveted item for collectors and F1 enthusiasts alike. For the fortunate buyer, the McLaren MP4-21 isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of racing heritage, tied to two legends of the sport.

The sale of the McLaren MP4-21 represents more than just the exchange of a high-value asset; it’s the transfer of a key artifact in the narrative of modern Formula 1, celebrated for its engineering brilliance and its role in the early career of a future seven-time world champion.