An auction offers unique Formula 1 experiences – the price for a McLaren weekend skyrockets
Formula 1 fans have the opportunity to bid on spectacular experiences ahead of the start of the 2026 World Championship. As part of a charity auction in aid of the Grand Prix Trust, items up for grabs include a fishing trip with Ross Brawn and a private tour of the Red Bull factory.
Other highlights of the auction include a trip for two to a Grand Prix weekend with McLaren, a race weekend for two with Cadillac, and exclusive race day experiences with Williams and Racing Bulls.
Martin Brundle, Sky expert and chairman of the charity, announced the auction on social media, offering fans the chance to immerse themselves in the “inner sanctum of Formula 1.” “Bid on Formula 1 memorabilia, including a signed Lando helmet, fishing with Ross Brawn, and much more,” writes the former racing driver. “There’s something for everyone.”
Top bid for McLaren experience
The auction is currently running live on the “Emma Live” platform and its exhibits are aimed at the most passionate fans of the premier class. At the time of publication, the highest bid stands at £14,500 (equivalent to just under €17,400) for the race weekend with McLaren.
The successful bidder will be welcomed by the Woking-based team at their choice of the races in Barcelona, Austria, Baku, or Qatar and will receive a guided tour of the garage.
There is an interesting detail about the experience with Ross Brawn: the man who led Jenson Button to the title with Brawn GP in 2009 and is himself a passionate angler will not accompany the winner directly while fishing on the River Itchen near Winchester. Instead, the legendary former technical director will join them later in the day for a lunch prepared by the chef and petrolhead talk.
For technology enthusiasts, this should still be the perfect opportunity to ask one of the greatest technical minds in Formula 1 history a few questions.
Help for employees in need
Collectors are also catered for: a signed helmet from world champion Lando Norris is on offer, as well as a racing suit from Fernando Alonso and a signed cap from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
The Grand Prix Trust has been supporting Formula 1 employees for almost four decades. The organization was founded in the 1980s by Sir Jackie Stewart and offers help to those who have fallen on hard times due to illness, injury, or financial misfortune. “I have tried to reinvent the Grand Prix Trust, so to speak, for the modern age, for a modern industry,” Brundle explains in a lecture. “I have a great board of directors, which includes Ross Brawn, Sir Patrick Head, Bernie Collins, and Andy Stevenson. We have people with different skills on board; Jonathan Wheatley is also involved as a trustee.”
The silent auction is already open online and will end on January 21 during the Autosport Awards.
