Mercedes-AMG ONE shatters Monza lap record

Mercedes AMG's ONE hypercar - the road-legal machine powered by an F1 engine - took to the track at Monza this week and shattered the production car lap record at Italy's temple of speed.

Born out of the efforts of AMG engineers at Affalterbach, the ONE boast breathtaking figures – including the car's electronically regulated top speed of 352 km/h – thanks to its 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine and four electric motors that deliver an impressive 1063 bhp, and to its active aerodynamics as well as to its driver programs drawn from F1.

AMG works driver Maro Engel was at the wheel at Monza and lapped the track in 1.43.902s, or approximately 11 seconds faster than the previous record set by a Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Mind you, the time was still 23 seconds off last year's 1.20.161s Monza pole set by Charles Leclerc.

AMG is planning to build 275 examples of the hypercar, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and his former Mercedes nemesis Nico Rosberg both ordering their very own customized ONE, the pair forking out $2.7 million each for the exceptional machine.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.