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

Ferrari News

Ferrari news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, auction results and current market prices. Our coverage runs across the whole line-up, from the 296 and 296 Speciale to the SF90 XX, the 12Cilindri and the F80. We also follow the earlier cars that built the reputation of the Prancing Horse over seven decades. Reporting comes from the Monterey and Pebble Beach auction floors, and from first drives of new models as they arrive. One thing separates this from other supercar news: many of the Ferraris covered here are listed for sale on the duPont REGISTRY marketplace. Read the story, then see what an example is genuinely worth. For Ferrari news today, and the exotic car news around it, start here.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 31, 2025

How To Buy: LEGO Technic's New 1:8 Scale Ferrari SF-24 F1...

Wrapping up the 2024 Formula 1 season with an emotional race weekend in Abu Dhabi, the 2025 season is set to showcase some dramatic drive changes on the grid. Scuderia Ferrrai HP F1 will welcome Lewis Hamilton as he and Charles Leclerc aim for success behind the wheel of the team's upcoming SF-25 race car. For motorsport fans looking to commemorate the 2024 race season, Ferrari has recently teamed up with LEGO to unveil the newest addition to its automotive-inspired lineup, the SF-24 F1 Technic F1 Car. The 1:8 scale build set is packed with impressive details, like a working 2-speed gearbox, an adjustable spoiler, and a V6 engine complete with a spinning MGU-H. At 24 inches long and made of 1,362 pieces, it’s a project designed for fans who love a challenge and a nod to Ferrari’s F1 engineering. Perfect for your home or office, it’s a piece of F1 history you can proudly show off. Building the Ferrari SF-24 is all about enjoying the process, and the LEGO Builder app makes it easy to follow along, zoom in, and track your progress. Whether you’re adding to your collection or diving into LEGO Technic for the first time, Ferrari's new set brings together creativity, engineering, and the excitement of motorsport. Pre-order the highly-anticipated LEGO Technic Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: LEGO

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 23, 2025

First Laps In A Ferrari F1 Car For Lewis Hamilton

Lewis put down some blistering laps during his first track session. Excitement is building for what promises to be one of the most anticipated Formula 1 seasons ever as massive driver changes flip the script. Marking a special moment in Formula 1 history, Lewis Hamilton's first days at Ferrari have finally allowed him to get some time behind the wheel at the famous Fiorano track with Scuderia Ferrari HP. Despite a rainy and foggy start that most likely reminded him of home in the U.K., Hamilton's debut in the SF-23 drew a huge crowd of passionate fans who braved the weather to witness this milestone. With Team Principal Fred Vasseur and Ferrari VP Piero Ferrari watching closely, Hamilton completed 30 laps in total, focusing on quick laps and system checks. His excitement was noticeable as he described the experience as one of the best feelings of his life, comparing it to his first F1 test nearly two decades ago. After the session, Hamilton greeted fans at the trackside, thanking them for their support. Later in the day, Charles Leclerc took the wheel. Completing 14 laps, Leclerc even treated the fans to celebratory doughnuts on the track. Both drivers voiced their excitement for the 2025 season, with Leclerc noting the atmosphere of seeing Hamilton in a Ferrari for the first time. With this memorable day in the books, the 2025 Formula 1 season is officially underway, and Ferrari fans have plenty to look forward to as the team gears up for its start in March. Shop all Scuderia Ferrari HP fan gear by clicking the link below. Shop All Scuderia Ferrari HP Fan Gear View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scuderia Ferrari HP (@scuderiaferrari) Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 02, 2024

PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari F1 Launch Its Neon Energy Collect...

Look the part for F1's Las Vegas Grand Prix! Formula 1 is gearing up for its second Las Vegas Grand Prix, bringing high-speed racing back to the heart of Sin City and the iconic Las Vegas Strip. PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari have introduced the Neon Energy Collection, a new clothing and accessory line inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas Boulevard. Drawing on the iconic neon lights and spirited nightlife of The Strip, the collection features bold color schemes and special designs that reflect the energy of this famous location. The collection includes a range of pieces, from hats and hoodies to t-shirts and Velophasis sneakers. Each incorporates vivid colors and patterns reminiscent of Las Vegas’s neon lights, making the collection stand out on and off the track. Now available in select PUMA and Ferrari stores, as well as online, the Neon Energy collection combines the spirit of Las Vegas with the craftsmanship of Scuderia Ferrari and PUMA, delivering a modern, energetic take on streetwear. Shop all current PUMA x Ferrari Scuderia collections by clicking the link below. Shop All PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 11, 2024

How To Buy: PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP's New Team Varsity...

The new PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari Varsity Jacket blends classic American varsity style with Ferrari's signature design. PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari have teamed up to bring F1 fans the ultimate blend of classic and modern style with their new Varsity Jacket. The exclusive release takes inspiration from traditional American varsity jackets while upgrading it with a cutting-edge design that both PUMA and Ferrari are known for. Crafted from premium materials, the jacket showcases a rich, deep red base, with subtle yellow accents that pay homage to Ferrari’s iconic colors. Craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the embroidered Scuderia Ferrari and PUMA logos to the modern fit that elevates this classic silhouette. Whether you’re a motorsport fan or just someone who appreciates a well-designed piece of apparel, this Varsity Jacket is a must-have. It’s more of a statement of style and a nod to the legacy of two world-renowned brands. The combination of timeless college fashion and Ferrari’s high-performance DNA makes this jacket a perfect addition to any wardrobe. Shop the all-new PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP Team Varsity Jacket by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: PUMA

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 29, 2024

Ferrari Celebrates Carbon Fiber With Special F1 Livery At...

Carbon fiber shines at this year’s Italian Grand Prix. Scuderia Ferrari is looking forward to one of the most important racing weekends on its Formula 1 calendar, the Italian Grand Prix. As Ferrari’s home race, the historic team is celebrating one of the most important materials to motorsport innovation: carbon fiber. The highly innovative material has been paramount to both speed and safety, and throughout Scuderia Ferrari’s presence at Monza, carbon fiber will take the spotlight. The material was invented in 1958, and was introduced to Scuderia Ferrari’s F1 cars in 1982, used to strengthen the 126 C2’s aluminum chassis. Since then, carbon fiber has gone on to define high-performance excellence, celebrated for its lightweight construction and strength for both race cars and roadgoing sports cars and supercars. At this year’s Italian Grand Prix, a special livery is adorning the Ferrari SF-24 race cars, with the racing numbers evoking the woven, reflective look of carbon fiber. Ferrari’s F1 drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, will wear helmets with exposed carbon fiber, and they will also sport race suits with a carbon fiber look, and a suite of accessories that evoke the unmistakable look of carbon fiber. With the impact of carbon fiber on the entire motorsport and automotive world, Ferrari is celebrating the legend of the incredible material at its home race in Monza. View All Ferraris For Sale Image Source: Ferrari

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 27, 2024

PUMA x Ferrari Celebrate Carbon Fiber At Monza With Speci...

In collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari HP, PUMA is shining a spotlight on the incredible material that has transformed Formula 1, carbon fiber. As the Italian Grand Prix at Monza approaches, fans and enthusiasts can expect more than just high-speed competition. This weekend will celebrate carbon fiber's legacy, a lightweight material that has significantly improved both safety and performance in the world of racing. Since its first use in Formula 1 by Ferrari in the early 1980s, carbon fiber has become a staple in car design, contributing to the sport's evolution with its strength and lightweight properties. Ferrari's pioneering use of carbon fiber started with strengthening their car's chassis, leading to the introduction of the first car with a full carbon fiber construction in 1983. The innovation improved the car's durability and marked a turning point in racing safety. Over the years, carbon fiber has become essential to every aspect of Formula 1 cars, from custom-fit pedals to complete gearboxes. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will sport exclusive race gear at Monza, featuring a carbon-fiber-inspired design to honor the revolutionary material. The all-black apparel, accented with vibrant yellow highlights, pays tribute to Ferrari's deep-rooted heritage and the iconic city of Modena, home to the legendary Enzo Ferrari. PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari HP's Monza Special Edition collection is now available at select PUMA and Ferrari stores and online at puma.com and store.ferrari.com. The collaboration celebrates carbon fiber's impact on Formula 1 and the ongoing pursuit of innovation in the sport. Whether you're a racing fan or a fashion enthusiast, shop all PUMA x Ferrari fan gear by clicking the link below. Shop All PUMA x Ferrari Gear Our Top PUMA x Ferrari Picks Scuderia Ferrari Race Big Shield Hoodie Shop Now Scuderia Ferrari Suede Trippy Sneakers Shop Now Scuderia Ferrari Race CREW Motorsport Shorts Shop Now Scuderia Ferrari Team Setup Tee Shop Now Scuderia Ferrari Race Cap Shop Now Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 23, 2024

PUMA Motorsport x Scuderia Ferrari HP Announce Its Upcomi...

PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari HP are prepping for the cold by introducing their latest collaboration, the PUMA for Scuderia Ferrari Winter Collection. The new automotive-inspired apparel and accessories line brings the high-speed thrill of motorsport to winter sportswear, featuring trendy designs that focus on cushioned comfort and superior warmth. Engineered for those who love both motorsport and winter sports, the collection guarantees you stay warm and fast, no matter how cold it gets. This season, PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari HP have combined the excitement of motorsport with the practicality of winter gear. The collection showcases heat map-inspired graphics, adding a dynamic, sporty touch that reflects racing energy. Each piece is designed to protect against the elements while maintaining a sleek, aerodynamic look, making sure you look stylish on the slopes and during après-ski activities. These innovative designs ensure Ferrari fans can enjoy the winter season without sacrificing speed or style. The upcoming PUMA for Scuderia Ferrari collection will be available at select PUMA stores and online at puma.com and ferrari.com. Embrace the winter with gear that keeps you warm and fast, making a statement both on and off the slopes. Shop all current PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP collections by clicking the link below. Shop All PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 24, 2024

How To Buy: PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP's New 2024 Austria...

PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari HP have joined forces once again to bring a stylish new crossover to sports fans everywhere: the Scuderia Ferrari 2024 Soccer Jersey. Just in time for the Austrian Grand Prix, the motorsport-inspired soccer jersey lets fans express their love and loyalty for the iconic Scuderia Ferrari Red in a fresh, dynamic way. Imagine your favorite motorsport team as a soccer club, combining the high-speed thrill of racing with the spirited energy of soccer, making it a must-have for fans of both sports. The Scuderia Ferrari 2024 Soccer Jersey features the unmistakable red shade of Scuderia Ferrari HP, highlighted by striking yellow pinstripes, perfectly capturing the spirit of speed and the excitement of competition. Official team and sponsor logos add an authentic touch, ensuring fans can proudly display their loyalty whether cheering from the stands or playing on the pitch. This release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between PUMA and Scuderia Ferrari HP, highlighting their shared commitment to innovation and style with the Scuderia Ferrari 2024 Soccer Jersey. Whether you're a die-hard Ferrari fan or a soccer fanatic, this jersey represents the perfect blend of sport and style, making it a standout addition to any fan's collection. Shop the all-new PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari HP 2024 Soccer Jersey by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: PUMA

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 17, 2024

Ferrari Wins 24 Hours Of Le Mans For The Second Year In A...

Ferrari’s triumphant return has become Le Mans domination. Last year, Ferrari made unforgettable history when it entered the 499P Le Mans Hypercar into the 100th 24 Hours of Le Mans race, not only marking its glorious return to the top class of the historic endurance challenge after an incredibly long 50 years away but also clinching victory. The winning return run on the 100th anniversary 24 Hours of Le Mans alone is enough to go down in history as one of the greatest motorsport stories in recent memory. However, at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ferrari did it again, securing the overall victory for a second time in a row, eclipsing Toyota for the win. With the number 50 Ferrari 499P hypercar winning the race, the number 51 car finished 36 seconds behind in third place. The historic win gave Ferrari two of the hallowed “Triple Crown” titles of motorsport, having also won this year’s Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1. Ferrari credits the victory in the challenging race to impeccable teamwork and strategy, especially regarding tire choices during the rainy overnight period in which almost seven hours of safety car periods were needed. The victory is Ferrari’s 11th overall 24 Hours of Le Mans win. Including the manufacturer’s 29 class wins at the event, Ferrari now boasts 40 24 Hours of Le Mans wins. With the 24 Hours of Le Mans being a part of the FIA World Endurance Championship, specifically the championship’s fourth round, Ferrari is now in second place in the Manufacturers’ standings, nine points behind Porsche. The winning drivers are also second in the Drivers’ standings, nine points behind the current leaders. Another historic victory in the books secures Ferrari’s status as a force of nature in top-class endurance racing yet again. View All Ferraris For Sale Image Source: Ferrari

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 02, 2024

Ferrari Debuts Special Livery For The 2024 Miami Grand Prix

Scuderia Ferrari embraces its big change with a new look for Miami. The prestige, intensity, and rivalry of the historic and exclusive Formula 1 racing series are setting the sunny city of Miami, Florida abuzz with excitement. Along with the Miami Grand Prix taking place this weekend, Ferrari is proudly debuting its title sponsorship with HP on the track for the first time. As such, a special livery of the Ferrari SF-24 Formula 1 race car will be displayed for the race. Its colors serve multiple purposes: referencing iconic moments in Ferrari’s history, echoing the new partnership with HP, and blending in with the iconic tropical look and feel of Miami. Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino, two historic Ferrari colors from decades past, are reintroducing themselves on the new Ferrari F1 livery for the 2024 Miami Grand Prix. While red has become Ferrari’s predominant color today, these two beautiful shades of blue were important through much of Ferrari’s racing history, being featured on cars, racing suits, and even crew uniforms. In addition, Scuderia Ferrari’s drivers: Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, will drive Ferrari 296 GTS cars in those colors, with special Ferrari Style minaudière clutch bags made in the shape of the 296 GTS in the colors as well. Ferrari’s various lifestyle initiatives are celebrating the new livery and partnership, with a new Puma collection revealed around it, limited-edition Ray-Ban x Scuderia Ferrari Meta glasses, and more. With the sunny, coastal scenery of Miami as a backdrop, Scuderia Ferrari adds a splash of color to its livery and celebrates a milestone moment in Ferrari’s F1 history. Shop Puma x Scuderia Ferrari HP Image Source: Ferrari

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