McLaren dismiss bizarre report of Trump F1 test in Austin

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McLaren has firmly dismissed a bizarre report aired by French broadcaster Canal+ that claimed U.S. President Donald Trump would be testing one of their Formula 1 cars next week at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.

The report, which sparked disbelief across the F1 paddock in Canada on Saturday, was swiftly debunked by the Woking-based outfit.

When approached for comment, a McLaren spokesperson told ESPN F1 reporter Nate Sanders, “Trump won’t be driving our car.” The statement was as blunt as it was definitive, putting an end to the peculiar rumor before it could gain further traction.

From Paddock Visit to Paddock Fiction

The report – or rather belated April Fool’s joke – may have been inspired by Trump’s brief visit to the McLaren garage during the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, where the now 47th president of the United States met with McLaren CEO Zak Brown, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and F1/Liberty Media executives.

At the time, McLaren issued a neutral statement clarifying their position.

“McLaren is a non-political organisation, however we recognise and respect the office of President of the United States, so when the request was made to visit our garage on race day we accepted.”

No Room for the Rumor – Literally

As for the latest outlandish claim? Well, let’s be honest – it’s not just implausible, it’s almost physically impossible. Formula 1 cockpits are snug, unforgiving spaces meticulously designed for elite athletes with reflexes honed to milliseconds and waists significantly slimmer than presidential proportions.

Read also: McLaren unveils at Le Mans 2027 LMDh Hypercar prototype

The idea of President Trump clambering into a McLaren race car – not to mention controlling one at 200 mph – belongs more in a satirical cartoon than in a news broadcast.

And besides, with America in the thick of heated political and economic challenges, perhaps the commander-in-chief has a few more pressing items on his to-do list than testing a carbon-fiber rocket ship. End of story.

In short, it’s a firm no from McLaren – no car, no test, and definitely no presidential pit stop in Austin.

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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.