F1’s Lewis Hamilton Gets to Drive AMG ONE After Work & We’re Jealous
Unveiled as Project One by Hamilton and then-Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, little has been revealed about the car.
What does Mercedes’ seven-time Formula 1 World Drivers Champion Lewis Hamilton do after work? Well, it seems he’s been quite busy of late, if a new Mercedes AMG video of Hamilton and its new One ultracar is anything to go by.
Unveiled as Project One by Hamilton and then-Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, little has been revealed about the car. We do know that only 275 units will be built and sold at $2.72 million a pop. Don’t get too excited — they’re already all accounted for, four times over!
Now, not only does this new clip reveal Lewis’ part in testing and developing Merc’s thousand-horse Formula 1-derived 1.6-litre V6 ERS One, but it also reveals the look and a few more secrets of its ultracar.
Video Reveals More Mercedes-AMG One Secrets
Sculpted in the wind tunnel, the all-carbon fiber Mercedes-AMG One has active aerodynamics, which the new video reveals for the first time. You’ll notice its fender-top vents popping up. And the video also reveals a DRS-like adjustable rear wing. That’s in addition to aerodynamic front air ducts, a roof-mounted air intake and the aero fin on the rear engine cover.
There’s also a glimpse at One’s minimalist and driver-focused Formula 1 themed cabin, steering wheel pedals and driver-oriented central infotainment screen. That’s neatly blended with a little fine stitched Napa leather luxury on the bucket seats.
We also know that One’s 1,039–1,231 hp hybrid power unit is nicked out of Hamilton’s Formula 1 machine. And re-tuned for road use. It combines an internal combustion engine and four electric motors. The 748 hp 90-degree turbo petrol 1.6-litre V6 ICE will idle at a respectable 1,280 rpm. Never fear, it will still muster its 11,000 rpm redline. Mercedes-AMG will however expect each One back every 30,000 miles for an engine rebuild.
Power Unit Straight Out of Hamilton’s F1 Mercedes
Like that grand prix V6, two of One’s four electric drive units also essentially come straight out of Lewis’ F1 machine. The 161 hp MGU-K, or Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic, mounts directly to the V6’s crankshaft. And the 121 hp MGU-H, or Motor Generator Unit-Heat runs with the turbocharger. Unlike the F1 car, that additional pair of electric motors do duty at the front axle. Each drives a wheel to deliver an all-wheel drivetrain.
The F1-derived MGU-K and MGU-H motor-generators do double duty. They harvest energy under braking, and also contribute to the beast’s incredible prowess under power. They improve efficiency, too. The MGU-K generates electricity under braking. The MGU-H keeps the turbocharger spinning at high speeds when off the throttle. To eliminate lag and improve throttle response. Those four electric motors contribute an additional 603 hp to the One’s total output.
One Also has a Formula 1-like Gearbox
The majority of that drive is put down through the rear wheels. Channelled via an F1-like automated single clutch 8-speed manual transmission. One rides on 19 inch front and 20 inch rear aluminum and carbon fiber composite center-lock wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 285/35 ZR 19 front and 335/30 ZR 20 rear rubber. Ventilated carbon-ceramic discs take care of the braking.
The 2,866 lb. ultracar will challenge the two-second 0-60 mph barrier. And reach 200 mph in around 11 seconds on its way to a 220 mile an hour top speed.
So, there you have it. There’s little doubt where Lewis Hamilton spends a fair amount of time away from his day job. He’s contributing to the development of the Mercedes-AMG One. And he’s the
Photos: Mercedes-Benz