Signed by Schumacher and Hamilton, this McLaren F1 is a $21M time capsule

A legendary McLaren F1 from the Brunei Royal Family’s collection enters the auction market with spectacular upgrades. The 1994 supercar features the coveted High-Downforce Kit and signatures from F1 champions Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. RM Sotheby’s expects this rare chassis to command over $21 million at auction. This exceptional McLaren represents automotive history meeting racing heritage in perfect harmony.

The automotive auction world prepares for another milestone as chassis 014 steps into the spotlight. This particular McLaren F1, originally delivered to the Brunei Royal Family, represents more than just a rare supercar. Its journey from royal garage to auction house tells a story of automotive excellence enhanced by factory upgrades and racing legends’ personal touches.

Royal heritage meets racing pedigree

The Brunei Royal Family’s car collection gained worldwide attention for its extraordinary breadth and exclusivity. Among hundreds of rare vehicles, this 1994 McLaren F1 stood as a crown jewel. Designed by Gordon Murray, chassis 014 represents one of only 64 road-going examples ever produced.

Originally finished in Titanium Yellow over black leather and Alcantara interior, the vehicle has traversed continents throughout its lifetime. From the United Kingdom to the United States, and finally to Abu Dhabi where it currently awaits sale, this F1 has accumulated 13,711 miles on its odometer.

The supercar’s provenance extends beyond royal ownership. Two Formula 1 champions have left their mark on this machine. Michael Schumacher signed the door sill in March 1996, shortly after joining Ferrari. Years later, Lewis Hamilton added his autograph to the left-hand luggage compartment during his rookie F1 season in 2007.

Factory transformation elevates performance credentials

In 2007, chassis 014 returned to McLaren’s Woking headquarters for a comprehensive rebuild costing over $500,000. This extensive process transformed the vehicle’s appearance and performance characteristics. The original Titanium Yellow gave way to pristine Ibis White, creating a more aggressive aesthetic.

The most significant upgrade involved installing the High-Downforce Kit, a rare factory option that dramatically alters the F1’s aerodynamic profile. This package includes several key components :

• Fixed rear spoiler for increased downforce
• GTR-style front bumper and splitter
• LM-specification louvres for front wings
• Race-style driver’s seat upgrade
• Additional exposed carbon fiber elements

Additional enhancements included black OZ Racing GTR-style wheels, updated headlight systems, and an upgraded exhaust configuration. The interior received LM-specification upgrades, further emphasizing the vehicle’s racing DNA while maintaining road-going usability.

Market expectations and auction dynamics

RM Sotheby’s anticipates this McLaren F1 will achieve more than $21 million at auction. This valuation reflects the vehicle’s unique combination of royal provenance, factory upgrades, and racing celebrity signatures. However, recent market activity suggests even higher prices remain possible.

The current estimate may prove conservative given recent sales data. Chassis 062 reportedly changed hands in a private transaction just months ago, believed to have exceeded $23 million. This precedent indicates strong demand for exceptional F1 examples with unique characteristics.

The High-Downforce Kit adds particular appeal for collectors seeking track-focused variants. These factory modifications were rarely specified on road-going F1s, making chassis 014 exceptionally rare within an already exclusive production run. The combination of aerodynamic upgrades and celebrity signatures creates a compelling proposition for serious collectors.

This auction represents more than a simple vehicle transaction. It marks another chapter in the McLaren F1’s continuing appreciation as both automotive icon and investment asset. The model’s significance in supercar history, combined with this example’s unique attributes, positions it for strong bidding activity when it reaches the auction block.