Motorsport

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

Mercedes Benz USA Hosts First Ever Race Day and Canadian Grand P

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 11, 2024

Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 130 Years In Motorsports With A ...

It was a celebrity show out at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mercedes-Benz recently celebrated 130 years in motorsports with an unforgettable Race Day event at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The brand's first-ever F1 celebration featured a watch party for the 2024 Formula 1 AWS Grand Prix Du Canada, bringing together a diverse mix of customers, fans, brand ambassadors, and special celebrity guests. The star-studded feature included rapper Ludacris, NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins, model Jess Hart, and Eastside Golf founders Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper. The fuel-driven atmosphere was electric as everyone gathered to honor the legacy of the Mercedes-AMG brand while watching one of the most exciting races of the season. Mercedes-Benz Guests were welcomed to an exclusive race viewing experience with live commentary from a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team host. The event also showcased a special live performance by Ludacris. Formula 1 simulators and a Mercedes-Benz car corral showcasing rare pre-merger AMG and "young timer" Mercedes-Benz models added to the interactive experiences. Legendary cars on display included the 2024 AMG GT 63, AMG GT2, AMG GT3, and the iconic W 196 R "Monoposto" driven by racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio. Mercedes-Benz Ludacris, a proud Atlantan and MBUSA Brand Ambassador, expressed his excitement about partnering with Mercedes-Benz to bring the racing world's energy to his hometown. Under the motto "Defining Motorsport since 1894," Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the way in Formula 1, GT customer racing, and Esports. View all Mercedes-Benz models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 22, 2024

These A-List Celebrities Are Out In Monte Carlo With Merc...

Everyone from Cristiano Ronaldo to George Lucas is showing out for Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1! Monte Carlo is the ultimate playground for celebrities and the ultra-affluent, especially when the iconic Monaco Grand Prix hits town. This highly anticipated race blends thrilling motorsport action with the luxurious lifestyle of the rich and famous, making it a can't-miss spectacle in the F1 season. As teams and drivers arrive for what seems to be a promising weekend of high-speed racing, so do the A-list celebrities, athletes, and other influential individuals. Proving that their spot at the paddock is the place to be coming race time, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 has already welcomed a long list of familiar faces that you may not have expected to be fans of F1 racing. Commonly referred to as the G.O.A.T of Formula 1, with World Championships under his belt, Sir Lewis Hamilton shares the track spotlight with soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. While celebs like Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble ventured through the pits, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team CEO and Team Principle Toto Wolf was behind the scenes showing legendary American filmmaker George Lucas the ropes. Whether you're watching along the water from a luxury superyacht or on TV from the comfort of your home, there's no denying that the Monaco Grand Prix is a must-watch event for competitive F1 racing and top-tier celeb spotting. Check out all the celebrities and athletes who visited the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 paddock by scrolling below. Shop All Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Fan Gear Sir Lewis Hamilton & Cristiano Ronaldo @mercedesamgf1 Instagram Serena Williams @mercedesamgf1 Instagram Kris Jenner & Corey Gamble @mercedesamgf1 Instagram Mick Schumacher & Fabio Quartararo @mercedesamgf1 Instagram Odell Beckham Jr. @mercedesamgf1 Instagram Toto Wolf & George Lucas @mercedesamgf1 Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 16, 2024

Watch Pierre Gasly Drive Ayrton Senna's First F1 Race Car...

Pierre Gasly experiences the drive of a lifetime! When considering the successful careers of renowned Formula 1 racing drivers, it's impossible to have a conversation without mentioning the name Ayrton Senna. Securing a legendary position in F1 history with Drivers' Championship wins in 1988, 1990, and 1991, Ayrton was on his journey to become an unbeatable force before his tragic accident at the Imola circuit in 1994. Being an influential figure and role model in the art of racing, Ayrton Senna has shaped himself as an inspiration to modern-day drivers like Alpine BWT F1's frontman Pierre Gasly. Presented as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and dream come true for the 28-year-old French driver, Alpine F1 set up a private track session for Pierre Gasly to drive Ayrton Senna's very first Formula 1 race car. While most passionate race fans are synonymous with McLaren F1's MP4/4 when referring to Ayrton's track weapon of choice, the Toleman TG183 stands out as the car that paved the way for the Brazilian racer. If the opportunity itself doesn't shock you, the sheer size of early-era race cars compared to modern-day F1 chassis gives insight into the progression of design, performance, and safety. Before setting off on England's Silverstone Circuit sporting a Senna-inspired helmet, Pierre expresses that he's most excited to experience the simplicity of the Toleman's setup and its traditional h-patterned gearbox. The Toleman TG183 generates a snappy 540bhp thanks to a 1.5L turbocharged engine, which at the time shied away from any sophisticated traction control or stability systems. Speechless over the drive, describing it as "an experience I will remember for my entire life," Gasly truly completed a childhood dream by hopping behind the wheel of his icon growing up. Shop all Alpine BWT F1 x Pierre Gasly fan gear by clicking the link below. Shop All Alpine BWT F1 x Pierre Gasly Fan Gear Source: Alpine YouTube

HUGO GARAGE Miami Stills WxCxJ 1 16x9 original

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 10, 2024

How To Buy: HUGO Boss x Red Bull's New Track-Ready F1 Col...

HUGO Garage blends fashion, music, and motorsport! Miami's Formula 1 scene reached new heights last weekend with the debut of HUGO Garage during the F1's Miami Grand Prix. The event series, launched at the Miami International Autodrome, injected energy into the city's vibrant streets, combining high-end fashion, music, and motorsport all under one roof. As the Official Apparel and Eyewear Partner of the Visa Cash App Red Bull Formula 1 Team, HUGO Garage displayed the brand's DNA of innovation and self-expression. The event served as a creative hub where fashion enthusiasts, music lovers, and motorsport fans congregated for an unforgettable experience. Guests, including celebrities and influencers like Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, immersed themselves in the HUGO Garage atmosphere. The weekend kicked off with a HUGO x Boiler Room party. Collaborations with LOVE RACING and AFROFUTURE added another layer of luxury, offering guests an arcade-style Formula 1-inspired racing experience. Attendees also had the opportunity to personalize HUGO accessories and fragrances at the customization hub. From fashion presentations to virtual adventures, HUGO Garage left a lasting impression on Miami's F1 Weekend, redefining the intersection of motorsport and culture. Shop all apparel and accessories from HUGO by clicking the link below. Shop All HUGO x Red Bull Our Top Picks Daniel Ricciardo Cotton-Jersey Fanwear Shop Now HUGO x RB Fanwear T-Shirt Shop Now HUGO x RB Relaxed-Fit Polo Shop Now HUGO x RB Yuki T-Shirt Shop Now HUGO x RB T-Shirt Shop Now Source: HUGO Boss

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 08, 2024

F1 Academy Kicks Off Its Second Season On International W...

International Women’s Day and F1 Academy’s kickoff line up. F1 Academy is a racing series that seeks to break long-standing barriers in the motorsport world. While it’s no secret that Formula 1 has been a male-dominated sport, Formula 1 has been on a mission to make the exclusive sport more accessible, and F1 Academy specifically opens the doors to racing for young women. The all-female series boasts the support of all 10 Formula 1 teams, and its drivers are showcasing talent and thrill on the track. With its inaugural season taking place last year in 2023, F1 Academy has officially begun the calendar of its second season yesterday, March 7, 2024, for its second season. Today is International Women’s Day, and the first race weekend for F1 Academy is in full swing at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia. After the Saudi Arabia race, the series will continue in Miami, Barcelona, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Qatar before ending at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The seven-round season will feature both traditional and street circuits, with 15 cars on the grid. With the season beginning on the same weekend as International Women’s Day, F1 Academy serendipitously enters its second season celebrating and advocating for young women to pursue and change the landscape of motorsport. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Images via Motorsport Images

2024Alcan5000Rally INEOSGrenadier01 creditMercedesLilienthal

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 04, 2024

The New INEOS Grenadier Won The Truck/SUV Class Of The 20...

A new off-roading machine scores a significant triumph. The INEOS Grenadier is one of the newest vehicles on the SUV scene, and it’s designed to be a “go anywhere” vehicle with modern technology and engineering, but also a classic approach to 4x4 design. It boasts a timeless, rugged look, as well as a ladder frame chassis, solid axles, a two-speed transfer case, and locking differentials, making it do more than look the part of a bona fide off-roading machine. With “open source” accessorizing, owners of the Grenadier are able to customize it to fit their own specific needs. While the INEOS has what it takes to conquer off-road challenges on paper, it recently proved its merit in practice at the 2024 Alcan 5000 Rally, which stretches an immense and challenging 5,000 miles from Kirkland, Washington through Western Canada to Anchorage, Alaska. The 10–day journey brought along temperatures as low as -31 degrees Fahrenheit, and 39 teams competed in the rally, marking the event’s 40th anniversary. 17 of those teams competed in the Truck/SUV class, and that’s the class in which the INEOS Grenadier won at the Alcan 5000 Rally. The rally is a time-speed-distance rally, which means that rather than winning by finishing first, teams travel on public roads and trails to aim for a “perfect on -time” win in their respective class. Winning requires excellence both on and off the road. With comfort, versatility, toughness, and design that combines the best of both modern and classic off-roaders, the new INEOS Grenadier now has a feat to its name that undeniably demonstrates its incredible ability as an SUV. Both on and off-road, the INEOS Grenadier is a winner, and its result at the 2024 Alcan 5000 Rally proves that. View All INEOS Grenadiers For Sale Image Source: INEOS

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 17, 2023

Bonhams Set To Auction Max Verstappen's 2023 Dutch GP-Win...

Max Verstappen’s 2023 Dutch GP winning overalls auctioned by Bonhams|Cars to benefit Wings for Life charity. The auction specialists Bonhams Cars is set to offer a unique piece of Formula 1 history: the race suit worn by three-time World Champion Max Verstappen during his victory at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix. This exclusive online auction, running from November 17 to 30, presents a rare opportunity for Formula 1 race fans and motorsport memorabilia collectors. Max Verstappen clinched his 46th Grand Prix victory at Zandvoort behind the wheel of Red Bull's RB19 race car, marking a significant moment in front of his hometown crowd. The race suit, displayed in the dark blue of Oracle Red Bull Racing, are a symbol of Verstappen’s victory and his remarkable on-going achievements in the sport. Estimated to fetch between $75,000 and $87,000, the race suit is signed by the champion himself and come with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula One Team. The auction proceeds will benefit Red Bull’s Wings for Life charity. Established in 2004 by Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz and motocross champion Heinz Kinigadner, the charity is dedicated to funding research and clinical trials globally to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. Emma Hind, CEO of Wings for Life, expressed gratitude for the partnership with Bonhams Cars and the support from Oracle Red Bull Racing and Verstappen. The auction is focused solely on supporting a noble cause that continues to make significant strides in medical research. Shop All Oracle Red Bull Racing Gear Source: Bonhams Cars

Snapinsta.app 402264464 18390664636015864 4357342785429318568 n 1080

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 14, 2023

Ken Block's Daughter Lia Block Joins F1 Academy With Will...

With a name already revered in motorsport, this is the beginning of an illustrious career. Lia Block is already known for her incredible racing talent and prowess despite being only 17 years old. With an incredible exhibition run at Pikes Peak in honor of her late father behind the wheel of his "Hoonipigasus" Porsche, motorsport legend Ken Block, sending buzz across the globe, it was immediately clear that Ken Block’s legacy would live on through his incredibly talented daughter. It turns out that that announcement was just the beginning, as Lia Block has been announced as Williams Racing’s newest Racing Driver Academy member. The F1 Academy that Lia Block will now be a part of has set out to revolutionize motorsport by shining the spotlight on young women with professional racing ambitions. With her racing legacy and undeniable talent behind the wheel, Lia Block is a perfect fit in this endeavor. Starting in the 2024 season, Block is set to race with ART Grand Prix, and she is anticipated to use the stage to showcase incredible racing prowess and continue building her family legacy in motorsport. Designed to give young women a stepping stone towards blossoming careers in professional racing, Lia Block’s participation in the F1 Academy is exciting news and just the beginning of what is sure to be a racing career to follow. View All Exotic Cars For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Williams Racing (@williamsracing) Image Source: Williams Racing via Instagram

By Motorsport Network – August 24, 2022

Nigel Mansell Launches Official Digital Collectibles Rang...

1992 Formula 1 World Champion to offer fans unique digital collectibles. Nigel Mansell, the 1992 Formula 1 World Champion, has launched a collection of official digital collectibles on the 30th anniversary of his championship success on the new Motorsport Multiverse platform. Motorsport Multiverse is introducing an exciting new class of collectibles featuring official licensed digital renditions of real-world racing memorabilia. Motorsport Multiverse provides an engaging new way to experience, collect, trade, and stay connected to your favorite drivers, the racing community, and the spirit of racing. Adored by his home fans and dubbed “Il Leone” (the lion) by the Tifosi during his Ferrari career, Mansell’s unique determination, speed and technical ingenuity brought him 31 Grands Prix wins including four in the British Grand Prix. The 1986 and 1987 victories with Williams Honda are considered among the most celebrated and exciting races of that decade. The 1991 Silverstone win, after which he gave arch-rival Ayrton Senna a lift back to the pits, is commemorated with a digital collectible. Mansell recently sold the original car at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Monaco. Fans interested in owning one of Nigel’s digital collectibles will find a range of options, from high-quality products of Mansell’s race-worn helmets, race suits and gloves as well as images from Nigel’s personal collection and from the collection of Motorsport Images, which has the only unbroken visual history of the F1 World Championship since 1950. Many digital collectibles include original video of Nigel discussing the story behind the items and images. The Motorsport Multiverse platform has been created by Motorsport Images in collaboration with digital collectibles specialists Artema Labs. With an eye on sustainability, Motorsport Multiverse incorporates the use of a proprietary blockchain design. This novel architecture is energy efficient providing a reduced carbon footprint while substantially lowering gas fees and increasing transaction speeds. Additionally, the inclusion of a state-of-the-art security infrastructure and dynamic asset control allows for the introduction of ground-breaking new features over time. Nigel Mansell, 1992 F1 World Champion said: “I’m thrilled to launch my official collection of digital collectibles on the Motorsport Multiverse and hope that fans the world over will enjoy them. I have always been interested in new technology and everyone knows my special connection with the fans. Digital collectibles offer a chance to own something rare and fans can enjoy collecting and trading them.” James Allen, who heads up Motorsport Images said: “Fan engagement in motorsport is developing rapidly and we recognize the need to have high-quality offerings for fans. This is a market with a long-term future. We all love Nigel Mansell and what better place to start our project than with official digital collectibles, produced with Nigel, celebrating the 30th anniversary of his dominant 1992 World Championship. The ‘taxi-ride’ he gave to Senna at Silverstone the year before, on the sidepod of his car, is one of F1’s iconic moments, which also demonstrated Nigel’s sportsmanship and the respect that existed between the two great champions.” To visit the platform and find out more, visit https://www.motorsportmultiverse.com/.

By Luke Smith of Motorsport.com – July 28, 2022

Vettel Announces Retirement From F1 After 2022 Season

Sebastian Vettel has announced his plan to retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season. The four-time F1 world champion revealed via his newly-launched Instagram account on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix that he would be walking away for the series at the end of the season. Vettel made his F1 debut in 2007 and enjoyed the peak of his success with Red Bull, winning the world championship each year between 2010 and 2013. He joined Ferrari in 2015 before switching to Aston Martin for 2021. The news is a major twist in the F1 driver market for next year, freeing up a seat with Aston Martin alongside Lance Stroll for next year. "The decision to retire has been a difficult one for me to take, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it," Vettel said in a statement released by Aston Martin. "At the end of the year I want to take some more time to reflect on what I will focus on next; it is very clear to me that, being a father, I want to spend more time with my family. "But today is not about saying goodbye. Rather, it is about saying thank you - to everyone - not least to the fans, without whose passionate support Formula 1 could not exist." Vettel made his F1 debut at the 2007 United States Grand Prix in a one-off appearance for BMW before getting a mid-season promotion with Toro Rosso later in the year. He became F1's youngest-ever winner in 2008 with Toro Rosso before joining Red Bull for the following season, with whom he enjoyed the peak of his success winning the world championship each year between 2010 and 2013. Vettel joined Ferrari in 2015 and fought for the world title in 2017 and 2018, losing out to Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton on both occasions. He left Maranello at the end of 2020 to join Aston Martin, with whom he will see out his F1 career. "I want to thank Sebastian from the bottom of my heart for the great work that he has done for Aston Martin over the past year and a half," said Aston Martin executive chairman and team owner Lawrence Stroll. "We made it clear to him that we wanted him to continue with us next year, but in the end he has done what he feels is right for himself and his family, and of course we respect that. He has driven some fantastic races for us, and, behind the scenes, his experience and expertise with our engineers have been extremely valuable. "He is one of the all-time greats of Formula One, and it has been a privilege to have been able to work with him. He will continue to race for us up to and including the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will be his 300th grand prix entry. We will give him a fabulous send-off."

Motorsport

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe