Bonhams|Cars will present the most high-profile auction of racing and sports cars at the landmark season-closing Formula® 1 Abu Dhabi race on 25th November.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Just before the milestone 15th edition of the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX gets underway, an exclusive auction featuring over 30 of the world’s most desirable collector cars, including F1® racecars and state-of-the-art supercars, will take place on Saturday 25th November on the iconic start line of Yas Marina Circuit.
Commencing at 8:30pm UAE time, the live audience will make their way to the grid, while a massive global audience can stream the auction on Bonhamscars.com. Sales from the ‘On the Grid: The Abu Dhabi Auction,’ held by Bonhams|Cars in partnership with Formula 1 Paddock Club™ are expected to reach over US$20 million.
Beginning Thursday 23rd November, Bonhams|Cars will preview its impressive line-up in various areas within the massive 400-acre Yas Marina Circuit. Bonhams|Cars partnered with The Stables, Abu Dhabi to handle shipping, storage, and detailing, in addition to hosting 26 of the cars on offer in a custom built, state-of-the-art gallery, just 100 metres from the track. The remaining offerings have been previewed in fan zones and within the Paddock.
Headlining the exclusive auction are F1® cars that have not only competed, but also triumphed in Grands Prix and are therefore etched in the memories of countless global fans who have avidly followed the sport.
Remembered by many is Mario Andretti’s 1978 John Player Special Lotus-Cosworth Type 79. The American racing superstar claimed his Formula 1® World Drivers’ Championship title with this “Black Beauty” and the upcoming sale offers the only opportunity to own a F1® car from an American World Champion. It is offered in the sale for an estimate of US$6.5 – 9.5 million.
Another exciting opportunity to acquire a F1® racecar is with Kimi Räikkönen’s McLaren MP4/21, offered at an estimate of US$2.5 – 3.5 million. Räikkönen achieved two podium finishes with the McLaren, however in Monaco the engine overheated and Räikkönen is famously remembered for heading back to his yacht instead of the team’s paddock.
Other auction items of note include: Formula 1® World Champion Driver, Fernando Alonso’s 2022 custom-specification McLaren Elva; a uniquely specified Porsche 911 RSR, along with a 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 Super Veloce.
ABOUT ETHARA:
Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.
ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT:
Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.
Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.
As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.
