Lifestyle

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 12, 2026

Bring F1 Home: Logitech G x McLaren Racing Gear

Not long ago, feeling the rush of real racing meant having access to a car and a track, but with the rise of modern technology and gaming, sim racing has quietly brought that experience into the comfort of living rooms around the world. And while it might seem designed for aspiring racers or gamers, many of motorsport’s top drivers, including Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and nearly everyone else on the F1 grid, use simulators as a key tool for off-track training. The tech team at Logitech G has further cemented its place in the eMotorsports world since announcing its official partnership with McLaren Racing more than 9 years ago, showcasing a full collection of products to build your very own racing experience. All those years as partners have translated into authentic performance, from F1-inspired design to precision-engineered products, inspired by feedback from real racers. The special edition product line includes the A50 X McLaren Racing Edition headset, an RS Formula Wheel McLaren Racing Edition, and a Playseat Formula Instinct McLaren Racing Edition seat setup, all sporting the racing team’s iconic Papaya Orange colorway and branding. And for those starting from scratch, Logitech G offers a dedicated configuration program that helps you build and choose the perfect SIM setup for your needs. Shop the McLaren Racing collection, as well as all other SIM sport products from Logitech G, by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: Logitech G x McLaren Racing

By Charles Bradley – April 30, 2026

Jack Daniel’s Reveals $600 Halo MK1 Whiskey with McLaren Racing

In a collaboration that bridges two worlds defined by precision and heritage, Jack Daniel’s has unveiled its most exclusive release to date: the Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey. Created in partnership with McLaren Racing, the limited-edition expression arrives as a super-premium collector’s piece, retailing at $599.99 and produced in exceptionally small quantities for global markets. The release reflects a shared philosophy rooted in craftsmanship and performance. “We are thrilled to continue to celebrate many fantastic years of partnership with McLaren with the debut of our most exciting collaboration yet – a remarkable bottle that is destined to become a collector’s item for Formula 1 fans and whiskey drinkers alike,” said Mark Bacon, SVP, global managing director of Jack Daniel’s. “Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey embodies our shared values of innovation, excellence and ambition.” From the outset, the design establishes its intent as more than a traditional spirits release. The packaging reinterprets the HALO structure found on McLaren’s Formula 1 cars, transforming it into a sculptural vessel that houses the whiskey. Details such as alloy metal, micro-suede, and carbon fiber-inspired finishes echo the materials used in the construction of modern race cars, while a hand-finished cork and custom medallions reinforce its artisanal character. “Jack Daniel’s Halo MK1 is a great expression of what our partnership represents, precision, craftsmanship and a shared respect for heritage,” said Louise McEwen, chief marketing officer of McLaren Racing. “By drawing inspiration from our racing innovation, and honoring the legacy of Bruce McLaren, this release brings together McLaren’s racing DNA and Jack Daniel’s whiskey making tradition in a way that feels both authentic and truly collectible.” Beneath the striking presentation lies a whiskey that remains true to the brand’s legacy. Distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the Halo MK1 begins with Jack Daniel’s signature grain bill of 80 percent corn, 8 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley. It undergoes the brand’s signature charcoal mellowing process, filtered drop by drop through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal, before aging in handcrafted American white oak barrels. The staves used for these barrels are aged in the open air for an extended period prior to toasting, a process designed to soften tannins and enhance the whiskey’s depth of flavor. Bottled at 58.7 percent ABV (117.4 proof), the expression also carries symbolic significance, paying tribute to McLaren Racing founder Bruce McLaren, whose first race car was numbered 58. According to Jack Daniel’s master distiller Chris Fletcher, the whiskey opens with a nose of sweet maple, fruit, and toasted oak, followed by a palate of caramel and chocolate that evolves into notes of pipe tobacco and baking spice. The finish is described as bold, with lingering tones of barrel spice and brown sugar candy. The Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey is now available in select global markets in a one-liter format, offered in extremely limited quantities. For collectors of both fine spirits and motorsport memorabilia, it represents a convergence of two iconic legacies – crafted not only to be enjoyed, but to be preserved. As both brands continue to build on their partnership, the Halo MK1 stands as a statement piece – one that captures the intersection of luxury, performance, and enduring heritage in a single, meticulously designed release.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 27, 2026

McLaren Golf Signs Justin Rose As Its First Global Ambassador

Golf might be one of the oldest games still played today, but it’s been carried forward by a handful of legacy brands that have evolved alongside it, earning their place with touring pros chasing million-dollar purses and everyday players just hoping to finish a round without emptying a sleeve of balls. It's the same way that McLaren was born under the great Bruce McLaren, engineered for the track and professional racing, but on the automotive side, built for those weekend track warriors who enjoy pushing the limits of their supercars and hypercars. Earlier this year, both of those worlds collided when McLaren launched McLaren Golf as its next venture, teasing an anticipated collection release dated for April 29th. Today, McLaren Golf is pleased to announce English Professional Golfer Justin Rose as its first global ambassador. Justin Rose has quietly put together one of the most consistent and respected careers of his generation. He broke through with a win at the 2013 U.S. Open, climbed to World No. 1 in 2018, and added an Olympic gold medal to his resume in 2016. Both McLaren Golf and Justin Rose teased the new partnership on Instagram, swapping his usual bag for one finished in McLaren’s signature Papaya Orange. But the real attention-grabber is what’s inside: a full set of McLaren-branded irons, woods, and a driver. It’s a clear sign of how seriously McLaren is taking its entry into the sport, shying away from basic, branded accessories and diving in head-first with actual equipment that will put Justin Rose in the top spot.As we patiently wait for McLaren Golf’s first official launch onto the golf scene, Justin Rose is already at the range dialing in his new clubs in preparation for a full schedule of tournaments ahead. Stay tuned to duPont REGISTRY News this week for all the latest news on McLaren Golf and ways to secure gear for your Sunday bag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by McLaren Golf (@mclarengolf)

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 02, 2026

From Track to Tee: McLaren Launches McLaren Golf

McLaren started on the track, built for speed, precision, and pushing limits, but it hasn’t stopped there. Every car they make carries that racing DNA, but tuned for the road. Over time, the lineup has grown from supercars and hypercars to fashion and collaboration collections, turning McLaren into a lifestyle. Today, the brand has a passionate following of owners and fans who live for the thrill of driving, the engineering, and the community that comes with being part of the McLaren world. McLaren is proud to take performance from the grid to the golf course, as it has just announced the launch of its next venture, McLaren Golf. Neil Howie, CEO of McLaren Golf said “McLaren Golf is a high-end, engineering-led venture which goes beyond the equipment. We’re building a brand grounded in McLaren’s high-performance DNA, and embedding it in a new sporting arena. We’ve hired some of the best minds in engineering and combined them with leading figures from the golf world to create an innovation-led company that pushes the limits of what golfers can expect from their equipment. We can’t wait to see our ambition come to life on the course this year.” While we’ve been witness to past collaborations with industry leaders like SWAG Golf, showcasing limited-edition headcovers that add style to your bag, this endeavour will focus more on developing benchmark golf equipment. Backing its transition into one of the most played and watched sports on the planet, McLaren Golf and its initiatives are backed by a dedicated team of golf-industry experts and world-class engineering minds. Teased to launch on April 29th, sign up with McLaren Golf to get notified of all the newest golf gear. Discover McLaren Golf View this post on Instagram A post shared by McLaren Golf (@mclarengolf)

Amalgam Collection Unveils New 1:8 McLaren W1 Scale Model

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 24, 2026

Amalgam Reveals New 1:8 McLaren W1

Amalgam Collection is known and loved for its scale models of some of the world’s greatest supercars, hypercars, and race cars, created with some of the most incredible craftsmanship in the industry. Made to be painstakingly faithful to their full-size, real-life counterparts, Amalgam Collection models are made to be indistinguishable from real cars if not for a visual indication that it’s much smaller than the real thing. The latest vehicle to be complemented by a scale model from Amalgam Collection is the McLaren W1, the latest hypercar in McLaren’s “1” series. Succeeding the McLaren F1 and P1, the introduction of the W1 marks a new chapter for McLaren’s racing-bred performance engineering. With over 1,200 horsepower, it boasts an incredible power-to-weight ratio, highly advanced active aerodynamics, and a groundbreaking design. Only 399 units of the McLaren W1 are planned, making it one of the most desirable, exclusive, and innovative hypercars on the market, and Amalgam Collection’s new scale model of the vehicle recreates it in 1:8 scale. The model is the result of a painstaking total of 3,000 hours of development in direct collaboration between Amalgam Collection and McLaren Automotive. It measures an impressive 22 inches in length, with each hand-assembled model requiring 300 hours of work from Amalgam’s artisans in Bristol. The original CAD designs of the car, as well as original paint codes and material specifications, are used to make the model as close to the real-life car as possible. With the Amalgam Collection model, owners of the ultra-exclusive McLaren W1 have the opportunity to recreate their exact build specification with a stunningly detailed scale model, and the launch specification matches that of the launch specification for the W1, with a Papaya Spark exterior color. Limited to 199 pieces, the launch specification 1:8 model retails at £14,995. Bespoke “Tailor Made” Amalgam McLaren W1 commissions start at £20,995, offering a unique and precious way to capture the essence of a defining hypercar. Learn More Image Source: Amalgam Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 30, 2026

PUMA x McLaren Racing Launch New Collection, Available Now

Motorsport has always been about more than lap times, and McLaren Racing has long understood how culture influences the sport itself. That idea sits at the center of a new multi-year partnership between PUMA and McLaren Racing, announced as both brands continue to overlap between competition, community, and lifestyle. The collaboration is framed around bringing fans a little closer to the everyday rhythm of racing, from what teams wear in the paddock to how supporters carry that identity away off the track. On the competitive side, PUMA’s role will stretch across the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, both McLaren entries in F1 Academy, the McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team, and, starting in 2027, the McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar program. The partnership places a strong focus on performance apparel, with team kits designed to meet the demands of modern racing while staying visually tied to McLaren’s familiar papaya colorway. The PUMA x McLaren Racing Replica Collection mirrors the gear seen on drivers and team members throughout a race weekend, offering a straightforward link to the paddock. The Lifestyle Collection takes a looser approach, pulling from McLaren’s long racing history and translating it into everyday streetwear. Beyond clothing, the partnership also leans into experiences, which is where things get interesting. PUMA and McLaren Racing plan to roll out immersive fan moments through special events and limited releases, starting with an activation at the opening round of the Formula 1 season in Australia. Shop PUMA McLaren Racing Our Top Picks McLaren Racing T7 Coach Jacket Shop Now McLaren Racing Speedcat Shop Now McLaren Racing Long Sleeve Tee Shop Now McLaren Racing Car Graphic Tee Shop Now McLaren Racing Hat Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 17, 2024

The GearBox: McLaren LT Performance

The McLaren 765LT is known for its aggressive design and top-notch performance, ready to take on any track while still being great for daily driving. Its versatility makes it the perfect choice whether you're heading to the track or just driving to work. Your wardrobe should be just as flexible, combining business-appropriate pieces with comfortable performance wear. This week's GearBox is all about finding the best all-around performance outfits that work for any occasion. Just like the McLaren 765LT, these picks are stylish and functional, whether you're at the office or out with friends. From sleek jackets to versatile shoes, we've got you covered with items that look good and feel great. Check out the links below to shop all the featured products and accessories. Each piece is chosen to keep you looking sharp and feeling comfortable no matter where your day takes you. Don't forget to check back with duPont REGISTRY for more updates on luxury gear and new releases. We're here to make sure you stay ahead of the curve in both fashion and performance. 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider View Price And Listing Purnell Escape II Forged Carbon View Price And Listing F1 New Era McLaren Hat Shop Now McLaren SunGod Renegades Core Sunglasses Shop Now McLaren x Reiss F1 Zip-Through Fleece Jacket Shop Now Relaxed McLaren Graphic Tee Shop Now HIROSHI KATO 14-Ounce Selvedge Jeans Shop Now New Balance 550 Sneakers Shop Now Klipsch T5 II McLaren Edition Shop Now TUMI x McLaren Velocity Backpack Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 10, 2024

How To Buy: Bower & Wilkins' Zeppelin McLaren Edition Wir...

The Zeppelin McLaren Edition joins the hugely successful Px8 McLaren Edition in a portfolio of collaborative products inspired by the long-standing automotive partnership. Since 2015, Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren have fostered a relationship anchored in performance, fusing together cutting-edge audio tech and world-class supercar design. This fuel-driven partnership has become a product of exceptional in-car audio experiences, the latest being in McLaren's all-new 750S supercar. Today, McLaren Automotive and Bowers & Wilkins are pleased to showcase their supercar-inspired, limited-edition Zeppelin McLaren Edition wireless speaker. This release magnifies the similarities between the two luxury industry titans while also marking McLaren's six-decade legacy. The Zeppelin McLaren Edition reflects the design philosophy of McLaren, sporting a sleek Galvanic Grey finish accentuated by Papaya Orange touches. This special edition speaker captures the essence of McLaren's high-tech aesthetics while delivering the top-tier sound that Bowers & Wilkins is recognized for, creating an exceptional listening experience for McLaren enthusiasts. This exclusive edition Zeppelin features racing livery-inspired shades and a vibrant orange finish. A nod to Bruce McLaren's groundbreaking vision is seen in the Speedy Kiwi insignia. The Zeppelin showcases its prowess as a complete stereo system, built for the digital age. Packed with reference-quality drive units and a whopping 240W amplification, enhancements include multi-room capabilities and an expanded roster of streaming services like Amazon Music HD. Shop the all-new Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin McLaren Edition speaker by clicking the link below. Shop Bowers & Wilkins x McLaren Source: McLaren