F1 News: Kimi Raikkonen's Iconic McLaren From Hilarious Formula One Moment Is Going Up For Auction

One of Kimi Raikkonen's Formula One cars is going up for auction.

Former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen's iconic McLaren MP4/21 is going up for auction towards the end of the year.

Raikkonen, known for his distinctive actions both on and off the race track as well as being branded the 'Ice Man', had an unforgettable moment during the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix. After a malfunction caused his McLaren's heat shield to catch fire, leading to power loss in the engine, Raikkonen pulled over. Instead of heading back to the team garage, the Finnish racer took an unconventional detour to his private yacht at the marina. Television cameras later showcased Raikkonen relaxing in a hot tub with beers even as the Grand Prix continued.

This very McLaren, recognised for this iconic moment is set to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The chassis, the MP4/21 '02', has a rich history beyond the Monaco episode. It was the vehicle in which Raikkonen clinched a podium at the Bahrain season opener, faced an early retirement in Malaysia, and secured P2 in Australia. In 2006, Raikkonen finished fifth in the Drivers’ standings, ahead of teammate Juan Pablo Montoya. This was also his final season with McLaren before moving to Ferrari in 2007 and winning the Drivers’ title.

The McLaren chassis is expected to draw a significant bid, with estimates ranging between $2.5 to $3.5 million, potentially making it one of the top ten most expensive F1 cars ever auctioned. In addition to Raikkonen’s McLaren, another notable car, Mario Andretti’s championship-winning 1978 John Player Special Lotus-Cosworth Type 79, will also go under the hammer. With its championship legacy, it might fetch between $6.5 to $9.5 million, placing it amongst the highest-priced F1 cars sold.