Race and classic pictures

Hamilton and Leclerc unleash Ferrari’s F80 beast at Fiorano

©Ferrari

Back on home turf after the Canadian GP, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were up and running at Fiorano on Wednesday to take Ferrari’s new F80 hypercar for a spin – and let’s just say, it didn’t disappoint.

Billed as the most powerful road car Ferrari has ever made, the F80 packs enough punch to rattle your soul and rearrange your definition of “fast.”

Even Hamilton – who’s no stranger to savage performance machines –was floored: “It’s the fastest road car I’ve ever been in,” he admitted. And that’s from a man who’s wrung the neck of the Mercedes AMG One around the Nürburgring.

“I’ve got to order me some of these one day,” Lewis grinned, despite the small detail that all 799 units are sold out. Never mind that each one reportedly costs €3.6 million, VAT not included. Or your soul, if you’re buying on the resale market.

Leclerc, who had already sampled the car, was equally impressed: “It’s the best Ferrari balance I’ve ever driven.” Which is code for: even Monaco’s tightest corners would be fun in this thing.

Two Ferrari drivers. One €4-million hypercar. Zero subtlety. If envy had an engine note, it would sound like this.

Meanwhile, we’ll just be over here, adding the F80 to our vision boards – and our lottery prayers.

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.

Recent Posts

Laurent Mekies: From engineering prodigy to Red Bull’s new leader

From engineering student to F1 team boss, Laurant Mekies’ steady rise has led to the…

2 hours ago

When Gugelmin went bottoms up in France!

The 1989 French Grand Prix took place on this day 36 years ago at the…

3 hours ago

Red Bull staff seized with ‘significant emotion’ following Horner exit

Red Bull Racing staff were reportedly gripped by “significant emotion” on Wednesday morning as long-serving…

4 hours ago

Brundle on Horner’s exit: 'Not completely out of the blue’

In the wake of Red Bull Racing’s bombshell announcement on Wednesday confirming the immediate dismissal…

5 hours ago

Jordan alumni come together at Silverstone to honour EJ

A number of former Jordan drivers came together ahead of last weekend’s British Grand Prix…

6 hours ago

The end of an era: Horner’s exit leaves Red Bull at a crossroads

After more than two decades at the top in Formula 1, Christian Horner is out…

7 hours ago