2023-11-29 18:05:21
The 2006 McLaren MP4/21, powered by Mercedes, has been sold at auction. This is the MP4/21, driven by Kimi Räikkönen, and it was sold with chassis number MP4/21-2 for $2,760,000, or €2,515,271. The model, fully restored by McLaren, was put up for auction on the Bonhams Cars website during the Abu Dhabi auction. The chrome and red single-seater was privately owned.
The car’s track record
This McLaren – Mercedes is known for its aesthetic side. During the 2006 championship, the English team finished 3rd in the constructor’s championship. Although no driver won a race with this MP4/21, good results were recorded throughout the season. The English manufacturer still has several reliability problems. Kimi Räikkönen had six retirements and his teammates Juan Pablo Montoya, then Pedro de la Rosa (for the last eight Grand Prix) were faced with seven withdrawals.
Despite these reliability problems, when the car worked, it was very efficient. In 18 races, the Finnish driver finished on the podium six times. His teammates reached one of the steps of the podium three times, without winning any races.
During this 2006 season, Kimi Räikkönen finished in 5th place in the championship with 65 points. In the constructor standings, McLaren finished on the last step of the podium with a total of 110 points. Ferrari ended the season with a second place and 201 points, just five points behind Renault led by World Champion Fernando Alonso.
During this 2006 season, Kimi Räikkönen finished in 5th place in the championship with 65 points. In the constructor standings, McLaren finished on the last step of the podium with a total of 110 points. Ferrari ended the season with a second place and 201 points, just five points behind Renault led by World Champion Fernando Alonso.
The unsold 1978 Lotus
Although it was supposed to be the largest auction in Abu Dhabi, the 1978 Lotus-Cosworth Ford Type 79 failed to find a buyer. This single-seater was driven by World Champion Mario Andretti during the same season that Lotus won the constructor’s championship.
The single-seater, equipped with a V8 engine, was estimated between $6,500,000 and $9,500,000 US (i.e. a range of €5,926,115 – €8,661,245). After this success with this Lotus, Mario Andretti became the first and remains the last American to win the Formula 1 World Championship.
1701290211
#McLaren #MP421 #sold
