F1 licensee Memento Exclusives’ F1 Authentics released the results of the Best of British Auction, which ran in conjunction with the 2025 British Grand Prix.

The auction was designed to honor the UK’s  deep-rooted motorsport legacy and celebrate British grit, talent and innovation. From Show Cars fetching a quarter of a million pounds, to used race suits and a plethora of signed memorabilia sold for thousands of pounds apiece, racing fans were inspired to bid and add unique and rare items to their collections, contributing to one of the most successful auctions the company has delivered since its inception in 2010.

McLaren MP4-26 Show Car – SOLD for £244,375

The MP4-26 Show Car was a fitting centre piece for the Best of British Auction, a masterpiece that symbolises the evolution of Formula 1® and some of McLaren’s boldest design language of the 21st century. The original car recorded 6 wins and 17 podiums on the way to finishing second in the overall Constructors’ Championship; including pole position at the 2011 Korean Grand Prix and the fastest laps in Spain, Canada, Italy, Singapore and Japan.

The Best of British auction presented a rare chance for fans to own this officially licensed piece of McLaren craftsmanship, made even more special by its connection to two British World Champions, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Perfectly recreating the visuals of the original vehicle designed under the watchful eye of Neil Oatley, the rarity of this Show Car was reflected in competitive bidding that took place, ultimately resulting in its sale to a private collector for £244,375.

The winning bidder is now the proud steward of a Show Car that encapsulates some remarkable moments, such as Jenson Button staging one of the greatest comebacks in F1® history – storming from last to first in a rain-soaked Canadian GP, as well as winning his 200th Grand Prix start in Hungary. Similarly, Lewis Hamilton showcased his trademark raw speed in the MP4-26, securing three race wins in China, Germany and Abu Dhabi; his victory at the Nürburgring was significant as he outpaced defending World Champion Sebastian Vettel in dominant fashion, reaffirming McLaren’s competitiveness in the V8 era.

The U-shaped sidepods, high nose and intricately sculpted aerodynamic surfaces are all faithfully recreated – immortalising the aesthetic that stunned crowds from the moment the MP4-26 made its Berlin debut to its final appearance on the podium of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

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 thrilling 2022 Formula One season, was purchased at auction for £46,288.

The popularity of this suit amongst bidders reflects the iconic season where it was used, as Verstappen produced one of the most dominant performances in the sport’s history to retain his Drivers’ Championship, whilst his team achieved their fifth World Constructors’ Championship with the RB18, their first title since 2013.

Despite being forced to retire from the opening race in Bahrain, the Dutchman went on to secure fifteen Grand Prix wins, breaking the record for most wins in a season ever (before breaking that record again the following year).

Signed Michael Schumacher 1996 GP Used Gloves – SOLD for £12,190

Due to his status as one of the greatest F1® drivers of all time, Michael Schumacher items are extremely hard to come by, so it is no surprise how popular these signed gloves from 1996 proved to be at auction.

Purchased for over £12,000, these gloves were used during the legend’s first season racing for Scuderia Ferrari, the start of an iconic legacy. Schumacher steered to three race victories in his maiden year with the team, including a landmark victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, where, despite wet conditions, he lapped every driver up to third place. He also won the Belgian GP and significantly, the Italian Grand Prix, in front of the team’s home crowd.

In addition to the striking red that is synonymous with Ferrari, these gloves feature the matching detailing from the season’s race suits and cars. The winning bidder has not only purchased an item worn and signed by the seven-time World Champion, but has invested in a piece of history, symbolising one of the most iconic driver and constructor combinations ever. 

Signed Charles Leclerc 2022 Race Used Boots – SOLD for £8,912

From Scuderia Ferrari’s past to its present, Charles Leclerc has become one of the most popular competitors in modern F1®, exemplified by the purchase of the Monégasque driver’s signed Race Used Boots from the 2022 season, sold at the Best of British Auction for £8,912.

These boots, created by Puma and bearing the unmistakable Ferrari logo, were used in a season where Leclerc achieved 10 podium finishes and remained impressive in qualifying throughout the season, securing 9 pole positions. He recorded the fastest lap in the first three races of 2022 and stormed home to win the season opener in Bahrain, followed later in the year with two more victories in Australia and Austria respectively.

Leclerc’s stellar performances saw him finish second in the overall driver standings, and now this pivotal season will be fondly remembered through these boots, adorned with his trademark signature and now in the hands of a proud new owner.

Auctions held by F1® Authentics are widely recognised by motorsport fans and collectors as the ultimate destination for rare and unique pieces of racing memorabilia. As a licenced partner to Formula One, many bidders become repeat customers, who value the authenticity of official items. All consigned listings are authentically verified, which has made the platform increasingly popular with collectors who wish to part with their cherished items, as well as add new pieces to their own collections.

Consignment for the next major auction event, launching on October 7 and coinciding with the United States Grand Prix, is open now and bidders can keep a watchful eye, as fresh items begin to be revealed on the F1 Authentics Auction platform in the coming weeks.