The Mercedes-AMG One, a true Formula 1 road-legal car, is attracting the attention of the biggest names in motorsport. Three renowned drivers, Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas and David Coulthard, have already purchased this technological gem. Let's find out what makes this hypercar an object of desire for racing aces.
Technology directly from Formula 1
The Mercedes-AMG One is no ordinary supercar. This racing car represents the most direct transfer of technology between Formula 1 and the production car. At its heart beats a 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid engine, identical to the one that powered the Silver Arrows in the world championship.
This complex mechanism develops a total power of 1,063 horsepower, combining the thermal block with two electric motors. The performance lives up to expectations: less than 3 seconds to reach 100 km/h and a top speed of 350 km/h.
A development fraught with pitfalls
The development of the Mercedes-AMG One was not a smooth ride. Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes-AMG, spoke about the many challenges encountered:
โ Battery thermal managementโ NVH issues (noise, vibration, harshness)โ Adapting an F1 engine to road constraints
These obstacles caused delays in the project, but were eventually overcome, resulting in an exceptional car.
Nico Rosberg: First Ambassador of Choice
2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg was one of the first to acquire a Mercedes-AMG One. The former German driver paid 3.2 million euros for this unique model.
Rosberg shared his experience in a YouTube video, detailing the purchase process and his first impressions behind the wheel. His car sports a Grigio Ferro paint scheme, a silvery grey borrowed from the Ferrari palette, emphasizing the exclusive character of the vehicle.
Valtteri Bottas: loyalty to the star
Despite leaving the Mercedes F1 team, Valtteri Bottas could not resist the call of the AMG One. The Finnish driver chose an electric blue livery enhanced with carbon fiber for his example.
The acquisition demonstrates Bottas' commitment to the brand that propelled him to the top of F1, despite his move to Alfa Romeo (now Stake F1 Team).
David Coulthard: spoiled for choice
Former Scottish driver David Coulthard, meanwhile, has opted for a broader approach. In addition to ordering a Mercedes-AMG One, he has also positioned himself to acquire an Aston Martin Valkyrie.
Coulthard justifies these choices by his past in F1: โ The Valkyrie, fruit of the genius of Adrian Newey with whom he collaborated at Williams, McLaren and Red Bull โ The AMG One, celebration of German engineering and its links with Mercedes
A complex start-up process
Unlike a conventional car, the AMG One does not start with a simple turn of the key. Like an F1 car, it requires an elaborate starting procedure. Mercedes has developed specific software to manage the multiple system checks usually carried out by a team of engineers on a circuit.
An artisanal production
The Mercedes-AMG One is not assembled on the brandโs traditional production lines. It is built in Coventry, UK, in a dedicated facility. This artisanal approach ensures attention to detail and build quality worthy of a racing car.
A promising future for the hypercar
The enthusiasm of F1 drivers for the Mercedes-AMG One is a testament to the technical and aesthetic success of this ambitious project. By transposing technology from the highest category of motorsport to the road, Mercedes-AMG has created the ultimate object of desire for enthusiasts and collectors.
This hypercar paves the way for a new generation of high-performance vehicles, where electrification plays a central role. It demonstrates that the move to more environmentally friendly engines is not incompatible with extreme driving sensations.
The Mercedes-AMG One will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most exclusive and technologically advanced cars of its time. Its success with F1 drivers only reinforces its status as a budding automotive legend.