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A Legacy of Speed: Mansour Ojjeh's Extraordinary McLaren Collection For Sale

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A truly exceptional private collection of McLaren road cars, curated by the late visionary Mansour Ojjeh, a pivotal figure and shareholder in the McLaren Group, is set to find new custodians. This unparalleled ensemble of twenty high-performance machines offers a rare glimpse into the passion and dedication of one of motorsport's most influential patrons. The sale is being managed by the esteemed automotive specialist, Tom Hartley Jnr, who previously orchestrated the significant sale of Bernie Ecclestone's impressive Grand Prix car assortment.

Details of the Exclusive Sale

The collection, belonging to Mansour Ojjeh, who sadly passed away in June 2021, represents the pinnacle of McLaren automotive engineering. Each of the 20 vehicles bears the final chassis number for its respective model, making them exceptionally unique. Among the jewels of this collection are the iconic McLaren Speedtail, the groundbreaking P1, the track-focused Senna, and the crowning glory: the McLaren F1. Notably, the F1 in this collection is the very last unit ever produced, finished in a distinctive hue that McLaren subsequently named 'Mansour Orange' in honor of its original owner.

With the exception of the McLaren F1, which has covered a mere 1,810 kilometers, and a P1 GTR that saw occasional use during McLaren track events, every other car in this magnificent collection remains in untouched, factory-delivered condition. They have been meticulously maintained under the direct supervision of McLaren itself, a level of dedicated care rarely, if ever, extended to any other private collector. This extraordinary level of preservation underscores the profound connection Ojjeh had with the McLaren brand.

Kathy Ojjeh, Mansour Ojjeh's widow, expressed the sentimental value of this collection, stating that it served as a beautiful reminder of her husband's intense passion for McLaren and his remarkable attention to detail in specifying each vehicle. She emphasized that while parting with these cherished cars is difficult, the family hopes they will find a new owner who appreciates and cares for them as Mansour did.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, highlighted Ojjeh's fundamental role in shaping modern McLaren, recognizing him as a fervent racing and automotive enthusiast. Tom Hartley Jnr, entrusted with this significant sale, shared his humility and admiration for Ojjeh's discerning taste, noting that offering such a collection is an unrepeatable opportunity, especially given its connection to a figure so integral to McLaren's Formula 1 triumphs.

Reflections on Passion and Legacy

This sale transcends a mere transaction; it is a profound testament to Mansour Ojjeh's unwavering passion for automotive excellence and his instrumental role in McLaren's storied history. For enthusiasts and collectors, it offers an unprecedented chance to own a piece of automotive heritage, each vehicle embodying a chapter of innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. It serves as a powerful reminder that true appreciation for artistry and engineering can elevate a collection beyond its material value, transforming it into a legacy.

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Thrilling Victories at Super Touring Power Event: Hughes and Lyons Dominate

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The recent Super Touring Power event at Brands Hatch proved to be a spectacular showcase of motorsport, drawing both experienced competitors and rising stars. Four-time British Touring Car champion Colin Turkington demonstrated his exceptional prowess, yet the top honors in the main Super Touring races were ultimately claimed by Jason Hughes and Michael Lyons. This festival of touring car history captivated audiences with thrilling contests across diverse categories, celebrating the rich legacy and ongoing excitement of the sport.

This year's Super Touring Power gathering served as a vibrant tribute to the heritage of touring car racing. Spectators were treated to dynamic performances, not only from the Super Touring contenders but also from participants in other historic classes, such as Pre-’66, Group 1, and Group A. The event underscored the deep passion and competitive fire that continues to define this segment of motorsport, providing a memorable experience for enthusiasts and competitors alike.

Dominance by Hughes and Lyons in Super Touring

The Super Touring category witnessed intense competition, with Jason Hughes, driving his 2000-vintage Vauxhall Vectra, and Michael Lyons, piloting Peter Sturgeon's 1996 ex-David Leslie Honda Accord, emerging as the standout victors. Their strategic maneuvering and raw speed allowed them to overcome formidable challenges, particularly from Colin Turkington, who, despite his impressive debut, faced unfortunate mechanical issues. This hard-fought triumph highlighted the blend of skill and resilience required to succeed at the pinnacle of touring car events.

In the initial race on the Grand Prix circuit, Michael Lyons capitalized on a strong start, taking the lead early on. However, the unexpected retirement of Colin Turkington’s Vectra due to suspension failure significantly altered the race's dynamic, paving the way for Lyons to secure a commanding victory. The following day, switching to the Indy circuit, Jason Hughes encountered his own qualifying difficulties but swiftly recovered, demonstrating exceptional race craft to overtake Lyons and claim a well-deserved win. The final race of the weekend saw Hughes maintain his dominant form, fending off Lyons’ persistent pressure to clinch another decisive victory, thereby cementing his and Lyons' status as leading contenders at this prestigious event.

Exceptional Performances Across Historic Classes

Beyond the headline Super Touring races, the event at Brands Hatch featured captivating action across several historic motorsport categories. Paul Mensley showcased remarkable consistency, securing four victories in the Group A class with his powerful Ford Sierra RS500, despite early challenges from BTCC star Tom Ingram, who was hindered by mechanical setbacks. Meanwhile, in the Pre-’66 races, Sam Tordoff delivered a flawless performance, dominating all four contests in his Ford Mustang and reinforcing his reputation as a formidable driver in historic racing.

The Group 1 machinery provided thrilling duels, with Charles Rainford and Jonathan Corker engaging in close battles that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Rainford initially found success on the GP circuit, but Corker's Datsun ultimately prevailed on the Indy circuit as Rainford's car struggled with the heat. In the Classic Thunder series, Adrian Bradley’s BMW-powered machine battled fiercely with the Australian V8s, clinching two victories. Notable performances also came from former W Series and GT racer Abbie Eaton, whose aggressive driving style in her father's Commodore VH added further excitement, despite a late-race incident. The event also marked a historic first for Legends Cars, racing on the GP circuit and crowning Connor Mills as the new points leader, highlighting the diverse and competitive nature of the entire race weekend.

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Verstappen's Post-F1 Austrian GP: Spa 24 Hours Triumphs Over F1 Disappointment

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This article explores Max Verstappen's immediate reaction and focus following his unexpected early retirement from the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. Instead of dwelling on the F1 setback, Verstappen immersed himself in the Spa 24 Hours endurance race, where his personal racing team achieved a notable victory. The piece also details the challenging weekend faced by his Red Bull Racing team in Austria.

From F1 Setback to Endurance Triumph: Verstappen's Shift in Focus

Unexpected Retirement at Austrian GP

The Austrian Grand Prix proved to be a fleeting appearance for four-time world champion Max Verstappen. His race concluded almost as swiftly as it began, following a first-lap incident at Turn 3 involving Formula 1 newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli, leading to an immediate withdrawal from the competition.

A Different Race Day: Spa 24 Hours Takes Center Stage

Rather than observing the remainder of the Formula 1 race from the Red Bull garage or pit wall, Verstappen chose a different kind of spectating. He instead immersed himself in the Spa 24 Hours event, demonstrating his multifaceted interest in motorsport beyond the confines of F1. This decision offered a stark contrast to the usual post-retirement routine of an F1 driver, underscoring his personal investment in other racing ventures.

Victory for Verstappen's Own Racing Team

Verstappen's attention was well-placed, as his Verstappen.com Racing Aston Martin, piloted by Chris Lulham, Harry King, and Thierry Vermeulen, clinched a remarkable victory in the Gold Class at Spa-Francorchamps. This win provided a significant highlight for Verstappen, who noted the intensity of the race, particularly as his team navigated critical track limit warnings in the closing stages.

Red Bull's Pointless Weekend in Austria

Conversely, the Austrian Grand Prix presented a challenging scenario for Red Bull Racing, Verstappen's Formula 1 employer. The team concluded the weekend without adding any points to their tally, marking their first such instance since the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, where both Verstappen and Sergio Perez retired. Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen's teammate, also experienced a difficult race, finishing last after a collision that resulted in a time penalty.

Tsunoda's Struggles and Car Adaptation

Yuki Tsunoda openly acknowledged his struggles with the Red Bull car's pace and his role in the collision during the Austrian Grand Prix. He confessed to reporters that he found it challenging to adapt his driving style to suit the car, especially when compared to his teammate Max Verstappen, who has found considerable success with the Milton Keynes-based outfit. Tsunoda indicated a need to explore different perspectives to overcome his current difficulties with the vehicle.

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