LOT 025 - Formula 1® Minardi 2-Seater Car Experience – Make-A-Wish
Auction Details
Story
This exclusive lot offers the ultimate thrill for any motorsport enthusiast: the chance to experience the speed, sound, and adrenaline of Formula 1® from the cockpit of a genuine two-seater race car. Donated by Make-A-Wish® International, this unforgettable experience will take place at the iconic Red Bull Ring in Austria in 2026, with the exact date and time to be arranged with the winning bidder after the auction closes.
About the Car
The Minardi two-seater is a direct evolution of the Tyrrell 026 Formula 1® car, retaining much of its original DNA while being adapted to carry a passenger.
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Engine: Ford Cosworth 3.0-litre V10, producing 750 horsepower and revving to 16,500 rpm.
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Gearbox: Six-speed semi-automatic transmission.
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Brakes: Carbon brakes delivering extraordinary stopping power.
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Tyres: Pirelli F1® Academy specification, mounted on 13-inch rims.
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Monocoque: Designed at European Minardi by former Tyrrell engineers. Slightly lengthened to accommodate a passenger, with a smaller fuel tank to minimise added weight.
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Aerodynamics: Updated in 2018 by former Tyrrell Chief Engineer Mike Gascoyne, with revised front and rear wings for modern performance.
Despite its adaptations, the car remains blisteringly fast, capable of speeds exceeding 180 mph, though most passengers are even more astonished by the G-forces generated under braking.
History & Legacy
The Minardi two-seater first appeared in 1999, with eight cars built by 2001. That year, all eight appeared simultaneously at Donington Park for a unique two-seater “race” featuring legends including Nigel Mansell and Fernando Alonso. A second event was staged at Rockingham the following year.
Since then, the cars have been driven by more than sixty current and former F1® drivers, including nine World Champions, and have appeared at famous circuits worldwide, from Silverstone, Spa, and Monza to Abu Dhabi, Sepang, and Austin. Between 2009 and 2020, they featured at every Australian Grand Prix.
The two-seaters have also taken to the streets of cities including Budapest, Sofia, Leipzig, Miami, Chicago, and London. In one memorable outing, Jenson Button chauffeured Naomi Campbell around the capital, while in the U.S., Mario Andretti gave Paul Newman an unforgettable ride.
Your Experience
As the winning bidder, you will climb into the cockpit of this extraordinary car and experience the raw power of Formula 1® alongside a professional driver. From the acceleration to the braking forces, it is the closest a fan can come to living the life of a Grand Prix driver.
Important Information
Experience includes the ride only; transport, travel, and accommodation are not included and must be arranged by the winning bidder.
Passengers must be 18 years or older (ID and signed waiver required).
Dates are subject to availability and blackout periods.
The experience will take place at the Red Bull Ring (location subject to change).
Make-A-Wish® International
All proceeds from this auction lot will be donated to Make-A-Wish® International, helping to grant life-changing wishes for children living with critical illnesses around the world. Wishes bring joy, hope, and strength to children and their families when they need it most. To learn more, visit worldwish.org.
Key Features
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Thrilling Formula 1® two-seater passenger ride at the Red Bull Ring
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Car derived from Tyrrell 026, fitted with Ford Cosworth 3.0L V10 (750 hp)
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Updated aerodynamics by Mike Gascoyne in 2018
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Provenance includes appearances at circuits and cities worldwide
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Driven by 60+ F1® drivers, including nine World Champions
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Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish® International
Bid now for your chance to experience Formula 1® like never before, an unforgettable ride in one of the most unique cars ever built.
F1® Authentics Austin Auction Preview
Auction Buyers Guide
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Standard Shipping Costs & Delivery Times
- United Kingdom
• Delivery Time: Next Day
• Cost: £25
- Europe Zone 1
Includes: Ireland, Channel Islands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany, Monaco
• Delivery Time: 5 working days
• Cost: £30
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Includes: Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden
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• Cost: £35
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• Cost: £35
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Includes: Romania, Turkey, Malta, Latvia, Estonia
• Delivery Time: 5 working days
• Cost: £60
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• Delivery Time: 10 working days
• Cost: £45
- Australia
• Delivery Time: 10 working days
• Cost: £50
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• Delivery Time: 5 working days
• Cost: £45
Note: These are estimated delivery times. Actual times may vary based on availability, custom framing, or pre-order status.
Large Items: Showcars, Racecars, Chassis, and Similar
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Returns & Refunds
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