Owning a hypercar is one thing, mastering its operation is another.
Fortunately, whoever becomes the owner of Mika Häkkinen’s McLaren P1 prototype at the upcoming Bonhams auction in Monaco next month will have a unique advantage. The two-time Formula 1 champion is generously including a day of driving lessons for the fortunate winner.
Supercars and hypercars offer an experience akin to driving a race car on public roads, boasting intricate and delicate machinery with sophisticated driver controls and systems that can pose challenges for unseasoned drivers. Attempting to handle one like a standard BMW M3 or Chevrolet Corvette won’t suffice. Häkkinen himself will personally assist the next owner of his P1 in familiarizing themselves with the vehicle. Although specifics are limited, Bonhams mentions that the “Flying Finn” will provide a full day of driving and racing instruction at a location chosen by the buyer.
Even without Häkkinen’s driving lessons, there would be considerable interest in his P1. McLaren manufactured only seven validation prototypes, or VP cars, along with a total of 375 units. Häkkinen’s P1, known as VP3, served as the lead car for durability testing and represents the first prototype offered at auction. Customized by McLaren Special Operations to Häkkinen’s preferences, it features a striking black exterior with exposed carbon fiber accents and vibrant Papaya orange highlights.
The P1 is equipped with a hybrid powertrain generating 903 horsepower and 723 pound-feet of torque. Its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine produces 727 horsepower, while an electric motor contributes an additional 177 horsepower. With an electric range of approximately 30 miles, the electric motor seamlessly supplements the turbocharged power delivery during acceleration. With such formidable performance, it’s understandable why potential buyers might seek Häkkinen’s insights before unleashing the P1’s full capabilities.
Häkkinen’s P1 prototype is scheduled for auction on May 10th as part of Bonhams’s “Les Grandes Marques à Monaco” sales event. Given the car’s rarity and distinguished pedigree, the auction house anticipates it will fetch between $1.6 million and $2.2 million.
