F1® Authentics — the official memorabilia partner of Formula 1®, operated under licence by Memento Exclusives — has announced the results of one of its largest and most successful auctions to date: the Best of British Auction, which took place alongside the 2025 British Grand Prix.
Designed to celebrate the United Kingdom’s rich motorsport heritage and honour the grit, innovation, and talent that have shaped the sport, the auction attracted motorsport enthusiasts and collectors from around the globe. From high-value show cars to historic race suits and autographed collectibles, the event saw competitive bidding on an array of unique items, many of which fetched tens of thousands of pounds.
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The auction, one of the company’s biggest since its inception in 2010, proved just how passionate fans are about preserving and owning a piece of Formula 1 history.
McLaren MP4-26 Show Car – Sold for £244,375
The centrepiece of the Best of British Auction was the stunning McLaren MP4-26 Show Car, sold for an impressive £244,375. A perfect representation of McLaren’s daring design language of the 21st century, this car was a faithful recreation of the original machine that achieved 6 race wins and 17 podiums in the 2011 season, finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship.
Driven by two British World Champions, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, the MP4-26 became a fan favourite, delivering some unforgettable racing moments. Jenson Button famously staged one of the greatest comebacks in Formula 1 history at the Canadian Grand Prix, going from last place to victory in treacherous wet conditions. He also won his 200th Grand Prix start in Hungary. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton secured wins in China, Germany, and Abu Dhabi, including a memorable triumph at the Nürburgring where he beat then-World Champion Sebastian Vettel.
The show car, meticulously designed under the guidance of Neil Oatley, features the distinctive U-shaped sidepods, high nose, and complex aerodynamic surfaces that stunned fans when the MP4-26 debuted in Berlin. It remains an iconic example of McLaren engineering during the V8 era.
Max Verstappen 2022 Race Suit – Sold for £46,288
An authentic Oracle Red Bull Racing race suit worn by reigning Drivers’ World Champion Max Verstappen during the 2022 season sold for £46,288. This suit symbolises one of the most dominant campaigns in Formula 1 history, as Verstappen secured his second consecutive Drivers’ Championship and helped Red Bull claim its first Constructors’ title since 2013.
Despite retiring from the season opener in Bahrain, Verstappen went on to win 15 races in 2022, setting a new record for most victories in a single season. He would go on to break his own record again the following year, further solidifying his place among the sport’s greats.
Michael Schumacher 1996 GP Used Gloves – Sold for £12,190
Signed memorabilia from seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher is a rare find, making these 1996 Ferrari race-used gloves an especially sought-after piece. Sold for £12,190, the gloves were worn during Schumacher’s first season with Scuderia Ferrari, a pivotal year that marked the beginning of one of the most legendary driver–team partnerships in motorsport history.
In 1996, Schumacher claimed victories at the Spanish, Belgian, and Italian Grands Prix. His win in Spain, where he dominated in wet conditions and lapped all but the top two cars, remains a defining moment in his career. These red gloves, matching Ferrari’s iconic racing colours, are more than memorabilia — they are a tangible link to the start of an era that reshaped Formula 1.
Charles Leclerc 2022 Race Used Boots – Sold for £8,912
Modern Ferrari star Charles Leclerc also featured in the Best of British Auction, with his 2022 race-used boots fetching £8,912. Produced by Puma and adorned with Ferrari’s emblem, the boots were worn during a season where Leclerc secured 10 podiums, 9 pole positions, and wins in Bahrain, Australia, and Austria.
Leclerc’s strong form saw him finish second in the Drivers’ Championship, cementing his status as one of the sport’s leading talents. The boots, signed by the Monégasque driver, are now in the hands of a collector who owns a piece of Ferrari’s current era.
F1® Authentics: The Go-To Destination for Motorsport Memorabilia
Over the years, F1® Authentics has established itself as the leading platform for official Formula 1 memorabilia. Its auctions are known for offering authentically verified pieces, attracting both passionate fans and seasoned collectors.
Many buyers return to bid in multiple events, confident in the authenticity and quality of the items available. The Best of British Auction not only celebrated the UK’s contribution to motorsport but also reinforced F1 Authentics’ reputation for delivering world-class collectible experiences.
The next major auction is set to launch on October 7th, coinciding with the United States Grand Prix. Fans and collectors are encouraged to watch for announcements as new items are revealed in the coming weeks.
FAQ on Formula 1
Q1: What is Formula 1?
Formula 1 (F1) is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing, sanctioned by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held across the world.
Q2: How many races are in an F1 season?
The number of races varies each year, but recent seasons have featured between 20 and 24 Grands Prix.
Q3: Who has the most F1 World Championships?
Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the record with 7 Drivers’ World Championships each.
Q4: What is the difference between Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships?
The Drivers’ Championship is awarded to the driver with the most points in a season, while the Constructors’ Championship goes to the team with the most points from both of its drivers combined.
Q5: How are F1 cars so fast?
F1 cars are designed with cutting-edge aerodynamics, lightweight materials, powerful hybrid power units, and advanced engineering, enabling them to reach speeds of over 350 km/h (217 mph).
