The Blackbird: A wingless wonder aiming to rewrite F1 and IndyCar

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Meet the Blackbird 66 Mk.1 – a radical vision from former IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand that dares to imagine what open-wheel racing could be if freed from convention.

Inspired by the great Dan Gurney’s spirit of innovation, Hildebrand’s concept throws away the rulebook – and the wings. The Blackbird is completely wingless, relying instead on mechanical grip, fat tyres, and raw power to deliver its speed.

The result? A machine that promises less perfection through downforce and more drama through movement – faster in a straight line, wilder through corners, and far more visceral to watch.

At its most extreme, the Mk.1 would pack a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V10 producing up to 1,250 horsepower, driving primarily the rear wheels – though Hildebrand envisions an all-wheel-drive version, too.

The car’s light weight, broad tyres, and emphasis on driver control could bring back the kind of racing fans crave: unpredictable, physical, and human.

For now, the Blackbird 66 Mk.1 is just an idea – but it’s a provocative one at that. Hildebrand hopes to build a working prototype, challenging both IndyCar and Formula 1 to think bolder. As he puts it, this isn’t just a design; it’s a call to arms for racing’s next revolution.

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.