A 2002 McLaren MP4-17A is to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at its Paris 2026 occasion. The chassis, one hardened by 12 grand prix begins, was pushed by Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard to 5 podium finishes and a race win.
The automotive is estimated to fetch anyplace between €1,000,000 and €1,400,000. Designed beneath the management of the legendary Adrian Newey, the MP4-17 struggled in the course of the begin of the season, however finally turned able to combating with the dominant Ferrari F2002, and was capable of reliably end on the rostrum.
Chassis 06 was launched halfway via the 2002 season and was primarily utilized by Raikkonen, who had changed Mika Hakkinen on the squad. Raikkonen instantly completed third in its debut on the European Grand Prix. The Finn went on to complete second on the French Grand Prix and third at america Grand Prix.
Picture by: RM Sotheby’s
However it was 2003 that noticed the identical automotive – this time pushed by Coulthard and with upgrades – end first on the opening spherical of the season in Australia. This was the driving force’s thirteenth and ultimate grand prix win of his profession.
Its ultimate race, the Japanese Grand Prix of 2003, noticed Raikkonen behind the wheel as soon as once more. The pairing completed second, behind Ferrari’s Rubens Barrichello. However it was Michael Schumacher, who completed eighth within the race, who went on to win his sixth championship title.
Offered with its authentic 2002 West livery and sporting Raikkonen’s #4, it comes with the three.0-litre Mercedes-Benz FO110 V10 engine. It should, as you’d anticipate, want a full rebuild earlier than it is used on-track once more, however for followers who love this period of racing – of which there are lots of – that is an unbelievable funding.
It was stored by McLaren for the 17 years that adopted its racing profession, and bought by the present proprietor in 2021.
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