McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Audi News

Audi news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, technology launches and verified performance figures. Our coverage runs across the RS models and the expanding e-tron range, together with the road cars that sit beneath them. Audi is moving quickly on electrification, and we report each development as it is confirmed. Plenty of publications carry performance car news, but few carry it beside live inventory. Many of the Audis covered here appear on the duPont REGISTRY marketplace, so a review and a genuine asking price sit together. That combination is difficult to find anywhere else in luxury car news. For Audi news today, begin with the stories below.

Audi Becomes The Official Car Partner of Silverstone In New 3-Year Deal

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 24, 2026

Audi Is The Official Car Partner Of Silverstone

The permanent home of the British Grand Prix since 1987, Silverstone Circuit is one of the most iconic British race tracks, if not one of the most iconic tracks in the world, as a Formula 1 staple and a hub for all manner of motorsport. However, a new chapter is beginning for Silverstone as Audi has announced a new three-year deal as the Official Car Partner of the track. With its own cherished legacy in motorsport and a new era on the horizon as a competitor on the Formula 1 grid, Audi’s partnership with Silverstone is another highlight of its commitment to nurturing its cherished racing heritage. As part of the partnership, Audi will provide a fleet of its luxury cars to the track to support VIP transportation during major events like the British Grand Prix, and Audi cars will also be a part of Silverstone Drive Experiences, including the RS 3, which fans will be able to get behind the wheel of to take on the track. Audi will also serve as a Pace Car Partner for Silverstone race events. Silverstone has served as a hub for British motorsport for over 75 years, and Audi’s own motorsport legacy comes from various disciplines like rally, Le Mans, and soon F1 with the Audi Revolut F1 team. With this new three year partnership, both Silverstone and Audi are taking writing a new chapter of motorsport history together seriously. View All Audi For Sale Image Source: Audi

Audi Revolut F1 Team Officially Launches

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 21, 2026

Audi Unveils R26 F1 Car

Audi announced its intentions to step onto the Formula 1 grid years ago, and since then, the legendary manufacturer has gotten to work putting the pieces together to create a team that would race on one of the most prestigious, exclusive, and intense stages in the motorsport world. Finally, the years of anticipation that have been building for Audi’s entry to F1 have come to a head, as Audi officially launched the Audi Revolut F1 Team at an event in Berlin. The car’s racing debut is set for March 8 in Australia, but the team itself had nearly 400 guests witnessing its first public appearance as the fully formed Audi Revolut F1 team, with the F1 racing car, the new Audi R26, at the center of the spectacle. The car’s power unit was developed in Neuburg an der Donau, and it’s called the AFR 26 Hybrid. Along with the car, the team’s clothing and driver overalls were also unveiled (the drivers are Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg). Audi’s entry to Formula 1 marks a turning point both for the manufacturer, and for the motorsport. With a cherished legacy in motorsport, Audi is on the cusp of reviving the heritage of legends like Le Mans-winning cars and its revolutionary retro rally machines. Meanwhile, Formula 1 is entering its 77th season, with sweeping changes coming to its technical regulations. These include active aerodynamics with the previous DRS being replaced by a ‘boost mode’ with electric power, and the use of sustainable fuel, for which audi has partnered with bp. The new Audi R26 Formula 1 car, and the team that will drive it towards hopeful victory, have arrived, and they’re ready for one of the most anticipated and shaken-up seasons of Formula 1 racing yet. View All Audi For Sale <- Gallery -> Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 15, 2025

Audi Revolut F1 Team Reveals Official Name Ahead Of 2026 ...

Audi’s F1 team has its official name. The anticipation for Audi to make its entry to the Formula 1 grid has been building for years since the first announcement of the manufacturer’s intentions to do so, but the countdown is finally winding down to be almost over as Audi’s Formula 1 team gets ready to race starting at the beginning of the next season in 2026. As the year draws to a close and all the teams in Formula 1 get ready for the next season, Audi is on the cusp of its debut in the prestigious and contentious series, with its official name revealed, along with its title partner and a place and time set for the debut of its racing livery. Audi’s F1 team will officially be called the Audi Revolut F1 Team, as Revolut, a global fintech company, has been announced as the team’s title partner. As part of that partnership, Revolut and Audi are set to introduce new forms of fan engagement, including race access, special activations, and in-app benefits for Revolut users. For the team itself, the partnership also means integrating Revolut Business into the Audi Revolut F1 Team’s financial operations and adding Revolut Pay to its online store for effortless checkout. January 20th, 2026, is when the Audi Revolut F1 Team will unveil its official racing livery for the 2026 season, with the launch event taking place in Berlin. Designed as an immersive experience, the brand’s core values: clarity, technical intelligence, and emotion, will be present throughout the event. Fans will be able to participate in a public opening on January 21. As the 2026 Formula 1 racing season draws nearer, Audi’s anticipated debut on the world’s most prestigious racing stage is nigh. View All Audi For Sale

A silver and black Audi R26 concept Formula 1 race car featuring red accents, Pirelli tires, and Audi branding, shown on a plain gray background—ready for its Formula 1 debut in Melbourne.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 12, 2025

Audi Reveals The R26 Concept Ahead of Its Formula 1 Debut

Audi previews its Formula 1 identity. Audi’s long-teased entry into Formula 1 just got even more real. With the debut of the Audi R26 Concept in Munich, the automotive powerhouse finally pulled the cover off what its future in motorsport’s top tier might actually look like. It wasn’t a fiery spectacle or a nostalgia play, but instead, it was precise, restrained, and unmistakably Audi. With just 115 days before its first Grand Prix, the brand’s message was clear: this isn’t about joining the grid for attention. It’s all about translating Audi’s design DNA and engineering winning performance into one of the most unforgiving sports on the planet. The R26 Concept is a work of art in itself. It showcases how Audi plans to carry its clean, geometric design language from the road to the racetrack, with the same detailed surfacing that defines its modern lineup. Titanium grey, carbon black, and flashes of a new “Audi red” frame a minimalist vision of what the brand’s Formula 1 presence will be like on the grid. Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella calls it “clear, technical, intelligent, and emotional,” which, in Audi terms, means a car that feels purposely engineered rather than just merely decorated. There’s even talk of the red rings being a subtle yet bold visual cue that signals a new era for the four rings brand. But behind the design lies something much larger. Formula 1 is changing fast, with new hybrid regulations and a growing push toward sustainability, and Audi sees it as the right time to jump in headfirst. Its power unit is being developed in Neuburg, the chassis in Hinwil, and a new tech office has opened in the UK’s “Motorsport Valley.” Add in a mix of experienced and young drivers, and Audi’s lineup looks more like a long-term project than a season-quick headline grab. It’s a big leap, but the team seems committed to learning fast, and, in true Audi fashion, refining relentlessly. For a brand that built its reputation on rally stages and Le Mans podiums, Formula 1 seems like both a natural progression and a bold reset. The R26 Concept doesn’t scream for attention either. That sense of control, of quiet confidence, feels rare in a sport that thrives on drama, and maybe that’s the point. And when the first car lines up on the grid in Melbourne in 2026, it’ll mark Audi’s most ambitious attempt yet to prove that clarity, design, and precision still matter at 200 mph. All Audi Inventory Source: Audi

A white ABT XGT race car is parked on a racetrack in the United States, surrounded by fencing and grandstands.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 18, 2024

The New ABT XGT Race Car Is Available In The United States

ABT brings V10 racing thrill to the States. Known for its celebrated ability to tune and enhance cars from manufacturers like Audi and Volkswagen, ABT is revered for its performance know how. One of the ultimate expressions of that is the ABT XGT, an Audi R8-based race car made as a thoroughbred Audi R8 LMS GT2 DTM racer. Now, that racing thrill is available to experience in the United States, with customers now able to purchase the stunning ABT race car for use on the track. Limited to 99 units, the car is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine with 640 horsepower and a weight of just 3,086 pounds. ABT’s extensive experience as a racing team since 2000, as well as the new ABT XGT’s extensive testing, including thousands of miles on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and Sachsenring and the Hockenheimring, ensure its prowess as a truly formidable Audi R8-based racing machine. The car's features combine luxury and gorgeous design with racing readiness. These include power-adjustable mirrors, air conditioning, and a dual-adjustable suspension with modified springs to allow for various setups. For North American customers, the price of the new ABT XGT race car starts at 599,000 Euros, which equates to roughly $635,000. If you’re looking for an exclusive race car with V10 performance thrill, the new ABT XGT has an answer and is available now to purchase Stateside. View All Audi R8s For Sale Image Source: ABT

A person with short dark hair, reminiscent of F1 Driver Gabriel Bortoleto, stands against a gray background in a black polo shirt, smiling confidently.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 06, 2024

Audi Announces Gabriel Bortoleto As Its New F1 Driver

Audi announces the newest driver behind its F1 ambitions. Formula 1 is the most prestigious, exclusive, and high-stakes stages in the motorsport world, and with only a handful of teams racing on renowned tracks at incredible speeds in their battle for victory, becoming worthy of consideration as a Formula 1 driver is a feat that takes an incredible amount of skill, let alone winning. However, the Formula 1 universe is set to be shaken up in a big way very soon, as Audi has been preparing to make its entrance to the contested series in 2026. Audi’s entrance into F1 will come through the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber becoming the Audi factory F1 team. Along with Nico Hülkenberg, an experienced 37-year-old driver from Germany, Audi has announced Gabriel Bortoleto, a 20-year-old Brazilian driver, is joining the team. Bortoleto comes from São Paulo, and in 2023, he won his debut season in Formula 3. Now, he’s leading the Formula 2 standings. His career started at the age of six with kart racing, and by twelve, he’d moved to Europe to chase the dream of racing in F1, a dream that is going to be realized very soon. With a new talent behind the wheel, Audi’s upcoming F1 team is even more exciting than before. View All Audis For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 23, 2024

Jonathan Wheatley Announced As Audi F1 Team Principal

Audi’s upcoming F1 entry secures new talent. Audi is making a big move in the motorsport world very soon, and that will be the historic luxury manufacturer’s entry into the world of Formula 1. Partnering with Sauber in the effort, a legend in the F1 racing world, Audi is planning to make a splash when it enters the Formula 1 grid in 2026. Recently, Audi announced former Formula 1 team head Mattia Binotto as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber Motorsport AG, taking a serious leadership position in the new Formula 1 efforts, and a new Team Principal has been announced for the upcoming Audi Formula 1 team: Jonathan Wheatley. With a F1 career beginning in the early 1990s, Wheatley has been involved in all six Constructor’s Championship and all seven Driver’s World Championship titles won by Red Bull Racing. He will also serve as the management spokesperson for the new team. With the management of team consisting of Wheatley and Binotto, and their decades of combined and highly successful experience in Formula 1, Audi’s entry into the prestigious series is something to look out for. View All Audis For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 15, 2024

Audi Partners With BP & Castrol For Its 2026 F1 Entry

Audi brings a new partner along for its return to F1. As the prestigious and historic motorsport prepares to dive headfirst into a more sustainable approach to racing, Audi is slated to join F1 in 2026. After joining forces with Sauber to make the historic move, Audi partnered with BP for its upcoming Formula 1 endeavor. As the first official partner of Audi’s 2026 entry to Formula 1, BP will be responsible for developing sustainable fuel for its race cars. In addition, Audi’s Formula 1 team and BP have agreed on a long-term sponsorship, and Castrol is joining the partnership. Castrol, a long-time partner of Audi’s past motorsport efforts, will join the historic luxury performance manufacturer in its F1 entry by developing lubricant for the twin-turbocharged V6 engine that Audi plans to race with. It will also provide fluids for the EV components. With the help of BP and Castrol, Audi has now journeyed one step closer to its anticipated arrival on the F1 paddock in 2026. The rivalry ultra-prestigious motorsport will become even more exciting and contentious when it finally arrives on the grid. View All Audis For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 30, 2024

Audi's Formula 1 Initiative Accelerates With Nico Hülkenb...

Audi's Formula 1 aspirations gain traction as Nico Hülkenberg signs on! Audi's Formula 1 dreams take a decisive step forward with the addition of Nico Hülkenberg as the first driver for their factory team. Hülkenberg's extensive experience in over 200 F1 races makes him a perfect choice as Audi gears up for their eagerly awaited entry into the Formula 1 world. Andreas Seidl, CEO of the future Audi F1 factory team, highlights Hülkenberg's speed, experience, and collaborative approach as key factors in Audi's Formula 1 project. With Hülkenberg onboard, Audi aims to use his expertise to navigate the developmental phase leading up to their debut in 2026. For Hülkenberg, the opportunity to represent Audi in Formula 1 is an example of the brand's dedication and passion to compete alongside other industry giants. As a German manufacturer with a rich racing heritage, Audi's journey into F1 presents an opportunity for Hülkenberg to showcase his talents on a global stage. The selection of Hülkenberg follows Audi's strategic roadmap, which includes the full acquisition of Sauber and the appointment of Oliver Hoffmann as General Representative. With Hoffmann overseeing the development of the power unit and Hülkenberg behind the wheel, Audi's Formula 1 aspirations are set up for success. View all Audi models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Audi For Sale Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 10, 2024

Audi Plans Sauber Group Takeover Ahead Of 2026 F1 Debut

Audi takes a major step towards joining F1. Audi has generated buzz across the motorsport world by announcing its intentions to join forces with Sauber and enter the elite group of Formula 1 teams in 2026. However, a new announcement shows that Audi is taking yet another big leap towards that goal, with two years remaining until it is set to be a part of F1 in 2026. With the supervisory boards of Volkswagen AG and Audi AG voting to take over 100% of the Sauber Group, the brand with the four rings has accelerated its plans, and strengthened its commitment to the sport. The Board of Management will appoint Oliver Hoffmann to be responsible for Audi’s Formula 1 program as a General Representative, stepping down from his current role as a member of Audi’s Board of Management, and Andreas Seidl will be CEO of the Audi Formula 1 Team, with the responsibility of implementing the Audi F1 project and managing the Audi F1 team. In Hoffmann’s stead, CEO Gernot Döllner will take over the Technical Development department on top of his existing role. Hoffmann has existing experience in the racing world, with a role as the head of Audi Sport, with customer racing experience, DTM, and Formula E. One of the most recent feathers in Audi’s racing cap is the Dakar Rally win, achieved with the electrified Audi RS Q e-tron. Meanwhile, Andreas Seidl joins as CEO with experience as Director of Race Operations for BMW’s F1 program, and as a Team Principal who saw three overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also served as Team Principal of McLaren’s F1 Team from 2019-2022, and became CEO of Sauber Group in 2023. With plans to take over Sauber Group, Audi’s F1 ambitions are strengthened and accelerated in a big way, and the countdown to its F1 debut in 2026 is more exciting than ever before. View All Audis For Sale

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