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

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Mercedes-Benz news fromduPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the S-Class, the Maybach range, the AMG models, the G-Class and the electric line-up. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Mercedes-Benz competes across more segments than almost any rival, so the news here runs unusually wide. Our marketplace supplies the part most publications leave out entirely. A great many of these cars are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts a review and a real asking price side by side. For Mercedes-Benz news today, and the luxury car market news around it, start here.

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Extends Its Official Automotive Partnership With The Nürburgring

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 03, 2026

Mercedes-AMG Remains Official Automotive Partner Of Nürburgring

It’s where records are broken, dreams come to fruition or are shattered, and where legacies are forged for drivers, manufacturers, and cars alike. The Nürburgring is one of the world’s most daunting racing venues, with its incredibly long Nordschleife layout, dramatic elevation changes, and a forested setting. Nicknamed the “Green Hell” for how challenging it is, the Nürburgring has become a measuring stick for performance at the highest echelon of the automotive industry, and its official automotive partner is Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. That partnership has just been extended, with Mercedes-AMG remaining the Official Automotive Partner of the legendary track. Originally minted in 2017, the partnership is a reaffirmation of the shared history between Mercedes-Benz and the Nürburgring that stretches back nearly a century. With the partnership’s extension, Mercedes-AMG will continue to have a prominent brand presence at the Nürburgring, including at the iconic Carousel corner, and, in addition, naming rights to the AMG Arena and the AMG Grandstand on the Grand Prix circuit will also remain. The AMG VIP Lounge will also continue as a part of the partnership. <- Gallery -> The very first race held at the Nürburgring, which took place in 1927, was won by a Mercedes-Benz, specifically by Rudolf Caracciola. More recently, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport celebrated an overall victory at this past May’s ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, with the Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL and drivers Maro Engel, Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller, and Luca Stolz. Outside of competition, the Nürburgring has been an important venue for testing Mercedes-AMG road cars, providing a respectable gauntlet for all standards of automotive performance. Recently, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ set a new record in its category with its Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7:32.070. About the continued partnership, Simon Wilbers, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, commented, “Whether in motorsport or as a benchmark for our road cars, the Nürburgring has always held a special significance for the brand. It has been the setting for numerous milestones, from historic racing victories to pioneering record-breaking runs. In addition, we have now shared an official partnership for ten years, underlining our emotional connection with this unique race circuit. We are delighted to continue this successful collaboration in the years ahead.” With a cherished shared history and icon status among both brands, the Nürburgring and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport are celebrating a fruitful partnership for nearly a decade by continuing it for years to come. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

Race car driver celebrating with a crowd; text reads "every dream needs a team." Witness the exhilarating journey of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes in his farewell documentary.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 06, 2024

Mercedes Honors Lewis Hamilton In An Emotional Farewell C...

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team celebrates Lewis Hamilton. Standing alongside iconic F1 racers like Niki Lauda, Aryton Senna, and Michael Schumacher, Sir Lewis Hamilton has built a legacy around success both on and off the track. And while his journey into Formula 1 began behind the wheel of McLaren, his extraordinary career in the sport has been spent with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1. After 26 years and countless milestones, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is saying farewell to Lewis Hamilton, closing a historic chapter in Formula 1. With 84 wins, six World Drivers’ Championships, and a continous impact on the sport, Lewis’ legacy is truly exceptional. This weekend in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes is launching a heartfelt campaign, “Every Dream Needs a Team,” showcasing Hamilton from a young hopeful to a legend who has inspired countless racers. Featuring a documentary directed by Grammy-winner Melina Matsoukas, the film includes iconic moments from Hamilton’s career with stories of young racers he has influenced. In addition to the film release, outdoor campaigns will light up global landmarks, from Times Square to Kuala Lumpur, with iconic images of Lewis and Mercedes. Hamilton’s car this weekend will display the names of 150 dedicated fans, representing the millions who have supported his journey. A heartfelt voice message from team principal Toto Wolff cements the authenticity of their friendship, delivered as a modern-day farewell note. As Lewis prepares to write a new chapter with Ferrari, Mercedes expresses deep gratitude for a partnership that redefined F1 history. For now, the team's focus is celebrating a legend and thanking him for an unforgettable era. Source: Mercedes

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 01, 2024

How To Buy: PUMA's New Eco-Friendly, Race-Worn Mercedes-A...

PUMA's latest collaboration with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and the innovative RÆBURN studio is a game-changer in the world of motorsports and fashion. The new fuel-driven partnership combines the upcycling DNA of RÆBURN with the adrenaline of Formula One racing, creating a collection that's as stylish as it is sustainable. By repurposing race-worn suits from F1 legends like Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, PUMA and RÆBURN have crafted elevated fashion pieces that celebrate the spirit of motorsport and the art of upcycling. The PUMA x MAPF1 x RÆBURN collection proves its worth as a fashionable example of performance and sustainable innovation. Each piece, crafted from recycled materials, tells a unique story of motorsport heritage. The collection includes jackets made from Hamilton's race-worn suits and limited-edition items from deadstock Nomex. These pieces are not just fashion statements but historical artifacts, offering fans a chance to own a slice of racing history. The collection's revolutionary design pushes the boundaries of what's possible in sports fashion, making it a true standout for any F1 fanatic. This collaboration also emphasizes responsibilities and principles that have long been championed by RÆBURN. Blending PUMA's sporting heritage with RÆBURN's innovative upcycling techniques and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team's engineering excellence, this collection is more of a movement than just apparel. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or a fashion-forward individual, shop the PUMA x MAPF1 x RÆBURN collection by clicking the link below. Shop The PUMA x MAPF1 x RÆBURN Collection PUMA x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x RÆBURN Jacket Shop Now PUMA x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x RÆBURN Logo Tee Shop Now PUMA x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x RÆBURN Jacket Shop Now PUMA x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x RÆBURN Logo Tee Shop Now Source: PUMA

24SS PR MS MAPF1 Mad Dog Jones Group 0610 16x9 1920x1080px

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 06, 2024

How To Buy: The New PUMA x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 x Mad...

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 welcomes some extra color to its newest collaboration collection. In a fuel-inspired collaboration that kicks off on the start line, PUMA joins forces with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team to launch a collection by renowned artist Mad Dog Jones. The fusion of style, performance, and motorsport brings together the dynamic energy of racing with visionary artistic expression. Inspired by the pulsating atmosphere of Miami's Thermal Vision, the collection captures the chromatic vibrancy and electrifying ambiance of the city. Each piece mirrors the aerodynamic precision of motorsport, symbolizing the exhilarating speed and adrenaline-fueled excitement of the racetrack. Mad Dog Jones describes the collection as an ode to the raw edge of motorsport, celebrating the grit, speed, and heat dynamics of the race. With meticulous attention to detail, each piece is crafted with a relaxed fit and vintage feel. Ahinthhan Anburaja, Product Line Manager for PUMA Motorsport, highlights the collection's celebration of championship excellence, blending the energy of motorsport with Mad Dog Jones' vision. The exclusive collaboration represents a crossroad of worlds, where the legacy of motorsport meets the vision of contemporary art. With its timeless look and wearable head-to-toe lineup, the Mad Dog Jones x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x PUMA collection is a must-have for those who dare to embrace the art of racing. Shop the all-new Mad Dog Jones x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team collection from PUMA by clicking the link below. Shop PUMA x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 x Mad Dog Jones Our Top Picks Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x Mad Dog Jones Statement Jacket Shop Now Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x Mad Dog Jones Spirex Running Sneakers Shop Now Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x Mad Dog Jones Graphic Hoodie Shop Now Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x Mad Dog Jones Russell Ball Cap Shop Now Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team x Mad Dog Jones Statement Woven Pants Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 27, 2023

RM Sotheby's Official F1 Las Vegas GP Auction Sets Record...

RM Sotheby's Official Auction of the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Wynn Las Vegas concluded with a staggering $59.7 million in sales, making it a historic event in the world of high-value auctions. The star of the show was the 2013 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 W04, driven to victory by Sir Lewis Hamilton, which set a record as the most valuable modern Formula One car ever sold, achieving an astounding $18,815,000. This auction, projected as “the biggest event in the world in 2023” by its organizers, was held against the backdrop of the thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix race weekend. Hosted in the Awakening Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, the auction presented an awe-inspiring theatrical experience to the bidders, contributing to an 87% sell-through rate. Bryon Madsen, President of RM Sotheby's, highlighted the collaboration with Wynn Las Vegas and the team's effort to create an extraordinary auction event amidst a series of high-quality events. Sir Lewis Hamilton's first race-winning Mercedes F1 car, now the most valuable modern Formula One car ever sold, was the centerpiece of this remarkable sale. The 2013 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 W04, which also featured in The Netflix Cup, was the first car driven to victory by the Formula One champion Sir Lewis Hamilton for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team. Its sale for $18,815,000 after intense bidding marks it as the most valuable modern-era Formula One car ever sold. Another highlight was the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, an open-top version of the iconic homologation special that dominated the late-1990s FIA GT Championships. Chassis 000034, one of only six examples built and with extremely low mileage, fetched $10,235,000. Furthermore, the auction made headlines with Tom Brady’s Game-Worn and Signed Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey from his final NFL game, which sold for $1.4 million, setting a new auction record for a football jersey. This jersey, worn in the NFC Wildcard Playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, symbolized the end of Brady’s illustrious 23-season NFL career. The success of the Las Vegas Grand Prix auction, with its record-breaking sales and extraordinary offerings, reinforces RM Sotheby's commitment to innovation and excellence in the global auction industry. View all RM Sotheby's inventory currently featured on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory For Sale Source: RM Sotheby's

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