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

A grey t-shirt from the F1 collection features an illustration of an Oracle Red Bull Racing car with "YETI" written above in orange, rope-like script.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 31, 2025

Discover YETI and Oracle Red Bull Racing F1's New Collect...

Keep things cool with YETI x Oracle Red Bull Racing F1! Taking things from the great outdoors trackside to one of motorsports' most thrilling series, YETI just recently teamed up with Oracle Red Bull Racing to help keep things cool in the paddock with an all-new collaboration collection. In the demanding world of Formula 1 racing, aside from speed itself, cooling stands out as one of the most important elements to success on the track. Applying the focus on temperature stability as the engineers and mechanics behind Red Bull's F1 team, YETI proved to be the perfect partner to launch some gear and accessories that shared the same focus. The pieces themselves keep things grounded and wearable. The Cowboy Driver Short Sleeve Tee ($60) has the laid-back energy of a post-race pit crew hangout, while the Road Warrior Mid Pro Trucker Hat ($45) looks just as natural at a campsite as it does in the paddock. The Crossroads 40L Duffel ($230) brings that same Red Bull attitude to any weekend trip, built tough but designed actually to look good doing it. And the Rambler 20 oz Tumbler ($55) with MagSlider lid? That's just YETI doing what YETI does, keeping your drink cool while you pretend you're in the garage during qualifying. Then there's the Tundra 45 Hard Cooler ($375), the heavyweight of the collection. It's the cooler you toss in the back of a truck before a long drive to the track. Like everything in this drop, it wears the Red Bull Racing branding without shouting it. It's thoughtful, purposeful, and clearly built for fans who love the sport but don't necessarily want to wear it head-to-toe. Its a crossover of two worlds that share the same DNA: engineered performance, built to last, and always up for a little adventure. Shop The Collection Our Top Picks YETI x Oracle Red Bull Racing Cowboy Driver T-Shirt Shop Now YETI x Oracle Red Bull Racing Crossroads 40L Travel Duffel Shop Now YETI x Oracle Red Bull Racing Tundra 45 Hard Cooler Shop Now YETI x Oracle Red Bull Racing Trucker Hat Shop Now YETI x Oracle Red Bull Racing Rambler 20oz Tumbler Shop Now Source: YETI

A racing driver in a white and blue Ferrari racing suit and PUMA hat stands against a blue gradient background, looking off to the side, evoking the cool confidence of Charles Leclerc at the Monaco Grand Prix.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 20, 2025

How To Buy: Charles Leclerc's Limited-Edition Monaco Gran...

Charles Leclerc returns to Monaco in style. Considered a fan favorite and the face of Scuderia Ferrari both on and off the race track, Charles Leclerc has certainly cemented himself in the upper echelon of Formula 1 racing at only 27 years old. With eight Grand Prix wins and a runner-up standing in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 2022, Leclerc's calm composure behind the wheel and competitive spirit prove to be the secret recipe for success in Scuderia Ferrari's paddock this year. Among all things automotive, Charles also stands out as a stylish, fashion-forward driver who seems to have all the latest trends inside his wardrobe. Celebrating his triumphant return home to Monaco after winning last year's Grand Prix, PUMA Motorsport and Charles Leclerc have teamed up to release a special, limited-edition hat. The Charles Leclerc Special Edition Monaco Hat is a subtle nod to the Ferrari driver's roots in the streets of Monte Carlo. Designed in white with light blue striping, the colorway feels like a tribute to the Mediterranean backdrop of the Monaco Grand Prix. The details are clean, the design feels personal, and while it fits into any F1 collection, it's understated enough to wear casually. It's available in limited numbers through PUMA and Ferrari stores, as well as online. For those who follow Leclerc or just have an appreciation for the tradition and atmosphere of Monaco race weekend, it's an easy way to mark the moment. Shop Now Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 13, 2025

How To Buy: The New PUMA x Formula 1: 75 Years of Speed C...

As we gear up for what looks to be a promising F1 season, kicking off this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix, the team at PUMA is celebrating 75 years of racing excellence with a special capsule collection release. In partnership with Formula 1, the all-new PUMA x F1: 75 Years of Speed Collection gives fans a way to commemorate the history of motorsports most adrenaline-packed racing series. PUMA is marking 75 years of Formula 1 with this new apparel and footwear lineup, blending vintage motorsport aesthetics with modern design characteristics. Key pieces include the Woven Racing Jacket and water-repellant Moto Jacket and Pants, each featuring F1 graphics that highlight the sport's legacy. The collection draws inspiration from mid-century racing while integrating trendy fashion details, creating a versatile lineup suited for both casual wear and motorsport enthusiasts. The collection also introduces updated versions of PUMA's classic Inhale and Suede XL sneakers, each reimagined with Formula 1-inspired details. This latest release reflects PUMA's ongoing connection to motorsport culture, delivering pieces that celebrate both the past and future of Formula 1. Shop the all-new PUMA x Formula 1: 75 Years of Speed Collection by clicking the links below. Shop The PUMA x Formula 1: 75 Years of Speed Collection Source: PUMA Our Top Picks F1® Suede XL 75 Years Hero Sneakers Shop Now F1® Racing Jacket Shop Now F1® Oversized Long Sleeve Tee Shop Now F1® Inhale 75 Years Hero Sneakers Shop Now F1® T7 Oversized Track Pants Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 12, 2025

How To Buy: PUMA Motorsports All-New Formula 1: Drive to ...

Kick-off season 7 in style. With Formula 1 continuing to soar in popularity around the globe, getting its much-deserved recognition as one of the most thrilling live sports to watch, Netflix has given fans an in-depth look at its behind-the-scenes with the 'Drive to Survive' series. Celebrating the debut of Netflix's anticipated 7th Season, the fashion professional at PUMA Motorsport is proud to launch the all-new Formula 1: Drive to Survive collection. Inspired by the energy of motorsport, the collection reflects the split-second decisions and the pursuit of pole position that defines life on the track, bringing the spirit of F1 to fashion. Bold designs, vibrant color palettes, and high-performance materials make this drop perfect for those fans looking to stay styled while trackside. Taking inspiration from the blur of speed seen from the stands, the collection embodies the thrill of watching cars rocket past at breakneck speeds. Colors shift and blend like the streaks of light trailing behind a race car, while dynamic patterns mimic the fluid motion of the drivers and their cars. Now available online at PUMA and in select stores worldwide, this collection lets fans carry the spirit of Formula 1 wherever they go. As Drive to Survive gears up for another action-packed season, there's no better way to show your love for the sport. Shop the all-new Formula 1: Drive to Survive Collection by PUMA Motorsport by clicking the links below. Shop PUMA Motorsport x Formula 1 Our Top Picks F1 Drive to Survive Hoodie Shop Now F1 Drive to Survive Relaxed Tee Shop Now F1 Drive to Survive Relaxed Tee Shop Now F1 Drive to Survive Tee Shop Now F1 Drive to Survive Tee Shop Now Source: PUMA

A person in a black jacket poses in front of a green Puma Motorsport backdrop, alongside A$AP Rocky's new collection display, next to a red and white motorcycle and a clothing rack.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 08, 2024

How To Buy: PUMA Motorsport x A$AP Rocky's New Collection

The collection is inspired by night racing and neon lights. With roots in fashion and motorsports, PUMA continues to gain traction worldwide as the ultimate one-stop shop for fan gear and automotive-inspired collections. In addition to massive partnerships with Formula 1 and industry-leading manufacturers like BMW, PUMA Motorsport has also appointed American rapper A$AP Rocky as the Creative Director for its collaboration with F1. After having success with his first collection drop as part of the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, A$AP Rocky and PUMA are back to debut its all-new Winter 2024 Collection. Last night, A$AP Rocky took over the PUMA NYC Flagship to unveil the clothing and footwear line with performances, customization stations, interactive photo moments, and giveaways. The new A$AP ROCKY x PUMA Collection draws inspiration from night racing with neon colors and bold graphics, giving classic motorsport styles a fresh, laid-back twist. The lineup features racing jerseys, jackets, shirts, pants, shorts, sneakers, and accessories, all designed with style and comfort in mind for those long days on and off the track. One highlight of the drop are the new Inhale Mesh sneaker, which showcases a classic style with a modern twist from A$AP Rocky himself. Now available online and in-store, shop the all-new PUMA x A$AP Rocky Collection by clicking the link below. Shop The Collection Our Top Picks Quilted Sweatshirt Shop Now Tool Box Bag Shop Now Long Sleeve Tee Shop Now Knee Pad Pants Shop Now Inhale Mesh Sneakers Shop Now Source: PUMA

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 25, 2024

Oracle Red Bull Racing Launches Its New $136K RB19 Racing...

Bring the excitement of F1 racing to your home or office! Oracle Red Bull Racing just unveiled something truly exciting for F1 enthusiasts, RB19 racing simulators and show cars are now available to the public for the first time. The RB19, known as the most successful race car in Formula 1 history, has been skillfully recreated as high-end simulators by Memento Exclusives. Using the same processes and materials as the actual Oracle Red Bull Racing race cars, the simulators provide a near-identical experience to driving on an F1 track, complete with state-of-the-art technology like haptic actuators and rumble feedback to make every twist and turn feel authentic. For fans looking for more than just the driving experience, Oracle Red Bull Racing has also launched limited-edition RB18 and RB19 show cars available for purchase. These aren’t your average replicas. The RB18 and RB19 are historic double-championship-winning cars, representing Red Bull’s dominance on the track. Enthusiasts can now own one of these iconic show cars, featuring Max Verstappen or Sergio Pérez liveries. The RB19, available in several Championship-winning designs, even includes special edition liveries from races like Miami and Las Vegas. In addition to simulators and show cars, Oracle Red Bull Racing has extended its memorabilia partnership with Memento Exclusives, making replica car parts and bodywork available through F1 Authentics. Whether you're looking for a simulator to experience the thrill of F1 racing or a show car to celebrate Red Bull’s reign on the track, this first-ever release offers something special for every F1 fan. The new Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 Racing Simulator is now available for $136,668 by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: Oracle Red Bull Racinbg

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

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