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

Maserati Commits to GEN 4 Era in ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

By Charles Bradley – November 27, 2024

Maserati Commits To All-Electric Racing Future Through 2030

Maserati has committed its future to race in the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship until 2030, becoming the fifth manufacturer to sign-up to its Gen4 regulations that begin at the end of 2026. Maserati, which joined the global Formula E series in 2023, will continue to use a powertrain designed and developed by its parent company, Stellantis, although no announcement has been forthcoming about the future of its sister team, DS Penske. The Trident brand joins Jaguar, Lola, Nissan, and Porsche in committing to Formula E’s fourth generation of open-wheel racecars, which includes a power increase that will peak at 600kW. Maserati’s new CEO Santo Ficili, who took over from Davide Grasso in October, said: “For this brand, the bond between the track and the road is unbreakable and the evolution of the single-seaters shows how many possibilities for development electric mobility holds. “We will continue to draw major developments from the races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, to transfer them into our 100% electric range that now consists of the Grecale Folgore SUV, the iconic GranTurismo Folgore and the GranCabrio Folgore convertible.” By 2025, all Maserati models will be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2028. Jean-Marc Finot, senior VP, Stellantis Motorsport added: “Formula E is the perfect laboratory to improve the efficiency of the powertrain to increase range, and also to work on the high-power cells of the battery for fast charging to increase the range of mobility of our customers. “By putting these technologies with motorsport, this will carry over to our road cars. It is the best of both worlds.” View All Maseratis For Sale

A purple high-top sneaker with black accents sits on a reflective surface, embodying the Neon Energy Collection vibe, surrounded by a vibrant, wavy blue and purple background reminiscent of the Las Vegas GP-Inspired spirit.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2024

How To Buy: PUMA x F1's Las Vegas GP-Inspired Neon Energy...

Returning to Sin City once again as part of its scheduled stops in North America, Formula 1 is ready to light up the Las Vegas strip at the 2020 F1 Las Vegas GP. In preparation for the weekend festivities, PUMA and Formula 1 just dropped their new Neon Energy Collection. Inspired by the non-stop pulse of the Las Vegas Strip, the collection combines vibrant neon colors, sound wave patterns, and bold purple graphics that celebrate both city nightlife and race-day adrenaline. It’s a cool mash-up of what makes Vegas iconic and what makes F1 racing feel so exciting. The lineup includes everything you need to balance motorsport energy and street style, including t-shirts, shorts, a padded vest, and a crewneck sweatshirt. As part of its accessories line, there's also a hat, sweatpants, and the PUMA Trinity sneakers. Each piece is designed to reflect the speed and rhythm of Formula 1, with a look and feel that’s perfect for days off the track but still connected to the rush of race weekends. Whether you’re gearing up for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in person or just need something fresh to throw on while watching from home, PUMA x F1 has you covered. Shop all PUMA x Formula fan gear and footwear by clicking the link below. Shop All PUMA x F1 Collections 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

Cars driving on a curvy racetrack at Flatrock Motorclub's Club Circuit, surrounded by autumn foliage and distant hills, perfectly capture the excitement of its grand opening.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 24, 2024

Flatrock Motorclub Celebrates Grand Opening Of Its 'Club'...

The highly anticipated Flatrock Motorclub ‘Club’ track is finally here. Delivering a luxury lifestyle with once-in-a-lifetime automotive enthusiast-focused experiences, Flatrock Motorclub has been drumming up anticipation for its ‘Club’ circuit for quite some time. However, the moment has finally arrived for the race track to open to Flatrock Motorclub’s members, with the flag finally dropping for the circuit as a whole. The track boasts 3.5 miles, with 23 engaging turns and 127 feet in elevation changes. Its average speed of 101 mph, with many international circuits seeing average speeds of 90 to 95 mph, ensures that the ‘Club’ circuit at Flatrock Motorclub is especially engaging. The celebratory grand opening event saw members of Flatrock Motorclub get the opportunity to finally drive on the circuit at long last. Work began on the circuit over two years ago, in October 2022, and Flatrock Motorclub enlisted the help of The Transtec Group, which has expertise in pavement engineering, to ensure that the track was constructed to high standards with materials sourced locally from near its Cumberland County, Tennessee, location. Looking forward, Flatrock Motorclub plans to add a karting track and a members' clubhouse to its facility in 2025, as well as a Grand Prix track, a hotel, a restaurant, and various other amenities to deliver incredible automotive-focused luxury experiences. With its ‘Club’ circuit completed, Flatrock Motorclub’s dream of a luxury automotive oasis is quickly coming to fruition. Learn More Image Source: Flatrock Motorclub

A woman and a man are posing beside a sleek Mercedes-Benz sports car, set against the vibrant backdrop of trees and event tents at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 22, 2024

Mercedes-Benz Takes Over Austin, TX For The 2024 United S...

It's finally that time of year again when the Lone Star state of Texas welcomes Formula One racing for a fuel-driven weekend of festivities at the Circuit of The Americas. Throughout the week, Austin transforms into an energetic motorsport haven where race fans party from downtown's famous Sixth Street to the trackside of COTA. Mercedes-Benz USA hosted an exciting two-day Race Day experience during the 2024 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin. The event celebrates Mercedes-Benz’s 130 years in motorsports, attracting 6,000 attendees, including owners, special guests, and F1 fans. One of the highlights was a surprise appearance by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Junior Driver, who took part in fan meet and greets while speaking about his excitement for joining the F1 grid next season. Mercedes' lineup of AMG models was also on display, including the AMG GT 63, AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE, and the Mercedes-AMG F1 W15. Fans could also purchase exclusive merchandise and participate in a raffle benefiting Safe Kids Worldwide. Other interactive experiences like Formula 1 simulators added to the fun, giving guests a taste of the high-speed world of motorsports. Mercedes-Benz’s long-standing motorsport legacy, dating back to its first race in 1894, was celebrated throughout the event, highlighting its role in shaping modern racing. Tune into F1 this weekend and shop all the best Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 fan gear from PUMA by clicking the link below. Shop All PUMA x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 16, 2024

How To Buy: melin x John Hunter Nemechek's New "Strictly ...

melin gets track side with its new special edition release. As part of its creative collaboration series that styles a diverse portfolio of lifestyles and industries, melin just announced its newest release with NASCAR Cup Series driver John Hunter Nemechek. With 11 career Xfinity Series wins and 13 career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series wins, the 27-year-old now pilots the #42 Toyota Camry XSE for Legacy Motor Club. Designed by Nemechek, the new signature Odyssey Mindset HYDRO perfectly embodies his dedication to the sport of racing by showcasing his mantra, "Strictly Business" on the front face of the hat. The same bright red, green, and yellow hues flow into the inside of the Odyssey Hydro, depicting hand-drawn #42 race cars and even John Hunter Nemechek's logo. The Odyssey Mindset features a custom cinch sack and is equipped with an antimicrobial sweatband, water-resistant surface, and moisture-wicking lining to withstand anything. Wrapping up the motorsport-inspired collaboration in melin style, the special edition Odyssey Mindset HYDRO comes with a matching "Strictly Business draw-string bag for travel. Shop the all-new melin x John Hunter Nemechek Odyssey Mindset HYDRO by clicking the link below. Shop Now Source: melin

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 03, 2024

Formula 1 And LVMH Announce A Historic 10-Year Global Par...

Formula 1 is gearing up for its 75th anniversary in 2025, and there’s some big news with luxury powerhouse LVMH coming on board as a Global Partner as part of a new 10-year deal. The partnership will kick off at the start of the 2025 season and will feature some of LVMH’s most recognizable brands, including Louis Vuitton, Moët Hennessy, and TAG Heuer. As F1 continues to draw in fans worldwide, this collaboration is all about blending action-packed racing with the luxury and style that LVMH is known for. What makes this partnership so interesting is how it brings together two worlds, motorsport and luxury. LVMH’s iconic brands will be involved in creating memorable F1 experiences, offering fans a mix of high-speed racing and a taste of refined craftsmanship. Whether it’s special events, limited edition releases, or hospitality, this deal aims to connect F1’s adrenaline-fueled action with LVMH’s creative spirit. With more details to come in 2025, there’s already a lot of excitement around what this partnership will bring. It’s a unique way for both Formula 1 and LVMH to keep pushing boundaries, incorporating their shared values of innovation and excellence in a way that promises to be fresh and fun for fans of both fashion and racing. Shop all Formula 1 fan gear by clicking the link below. Shop All F1 Fan Gear Source: LVMH

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 09, 2024

Flatrock Motorclub Continues Its Partnership With Michael...

Flatrock Motorclub renews its partnership with Michael d’Orlando for the 2024 Music City Grand Prix. Catch the action at Nashville Superspeedway this weekend. Flatrock Motorclub is thrilled to renew its partnership with Michael d’Orlando for the 2024 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville’s Superspeedway this weekend. The partnership sees the return of the distinctive Flatrock livery on d’Orlando’s #3 car, a look previously showcased during the Detroit and Road America races earlier this season. Michael, currently competing in the INDY NXT by Firestone series with Andretti Cape INDY NXT, has had a standout career, marked by a Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship win in 2022 and strong finishes in the USF Pro Championships. His journey from go-karting to race cars highlights his exceptional talent and determination. Despite facing funding challenges that impacted his recent performances, Michael is set to make a grand return at Nashville Superspeedway, known for its thrilling action. As the season finale and first oval finale in a decade, this race promises to be a spectacular event. Flatrock Motorclub’s support underscores their commitment to nurturing emerging racing talent and adds excitement to Michael’s bid for a strong finish. With the race airing on Peacock Channel at 11:50 a.m. EDT, fans can look forward to an exhilarating conclusion to the season. Rusty Bittle, Founding Partner at Flatrock Motorsports Park, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the significance of seeing Michael represent the Flatrock colors on such a prominent stage. Discover Flatrock Motorclub Source: Flatrock Motorclub

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By Tyler Rampersaud – September 04, 2024

Michael Jordan's 23XI NASCAR Team Wins First Regular Seas...

Michael Jordan’s winning streak goes from basketball to NASCAR. Often lauded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan is not only synonymous with the sport but with achievement in the sport and with victory itself. His incredible achievement goes beyond basketball, as Michael Jordan is co-owner of 23XI Racing, racing Toyota cars with drivers Bubba Wallace (number 23) and Tyler Reddick (number 45) behind the wheel. The regular season of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship is over, and 23XI Racing has a reason to celebrate. In the regular season, 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick emerged as the regular season champion. The championship win comes after this year’s Cook Out Southern 500 race at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, where Reddick and his number 45 Toyota race car finished in 10th place.. When asked about the team’s regular season championship win, Michael Jordan remarked on how proud he is of the team’s achievements and their hard work, but that there is still much more to achieve. Clinching the regular season championship victory over Kyle Larson by just one point, Tyler Reddick secured the first regular season championship title for 23XI Racing, marking an important milestone for the incredibly young team, which is up against longstanding titans in the NASCAR world. Up next are the Playoffs, where Michael Jordan’s 23XI team will hopefully continue to deliver incredible results. Finance A Luxury or Exotic Car For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASCAR (@nascar)

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