Formula 1 cars are engineering masterpieces—lightweight, aerodynamically obsessive, and screaming at 15,000 RPM. But unless you’re a driver (or a billionaire with a private track), you’ll never get behind the wheel of one.
Luckily, some road-legal cars come painfully close. These aren’t just “fast cars”—they’re F1 tech with license plates.
1. Mercedes-AMG ONE: An F1 Car in Disguise
- Engine: The same 1.6L turbo-hybrid V6 from Hamilton’s 2015 title-winning car.
- Power: 1,063 HP—enough to warp time.
- Top Speed: 219 mph (while sounding like a spaceship).
- F1 Goodies: Active aerodynamics, DRS, and a hybrid system that recovers energy like a real F1 car.
The Verdict: If you ever wanted to pretend you’re Lewis Hamilton at a stoplight, this is your ride. Only 275 exist. Good luck getting one.
2. Aston Martin Valkyrie: Red Bull’s Road Rocket
- Brainchild of Adrian Newey (F1’s greatest designer) and Cosworth.
- 6.5L V12 + hybrid = 1,160 HP.
- Looks like a Batmobile, drives like a Le Mans prototype.
- No luxury fluff—just a carbon tub, insane downforce, and a steering wheel busier than a SpaceX control panel.
The Verdict: The closest thing to an F1 car with cup holders.
3. Ferrari F50: 1990s F1 for the Road
- Engine: A detuned version of Ferrari’s early ‘90s V12 F1 powerplant.
- No power steering, no ABS, no mercy.
- Carbon fiber chassis, screaming NA V12, and a gated manual.
The Verdict: The last truly raw Ferrari. If you stall it, you’re not worthy.
4. McLaren F1: The OG Hypercar
- Central driving seat (like an F1 car).
- Gold-lined engine bay (because why not?).
- Still holds the NA production car speed record (240 mph).
The Verdict: The car that made millionaires cry when they crashed it.
5. Delage D12: French Rebellion
- 1,100 HP hybrid V12.
- Single-seat cockpit option (because passengers are overrated).
- Active aero that actually works.
The Verdict: For those who think the Valkyrie is too “mainstream.”
Honorable Mentions:
- Lotus T125 – A literal F1 car for rich hobbyists.
- Yamaha OX99-11 – A weird ‘90s F1 experiment (only 3 exist).
- McLaren P1 – The hybrid pioneer that still terrifies drivers.
