Charles Leclerc Archives

Lewis Hamilton has seen — and driven — it all. But even for the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, Ferrari’s new F80 road car delivered something extraordinary. After taking the wheel at Ferrari’s private Fiorano test track, the British motorsport legend emerged from the cockpit almost speechless.

“This is the fastest road car I’ve ever driven,” Hamilton said, visibly stunned by the vehicle’s performance. That’s no small statement coming from the man who once set records in the hybrid-powered Mercedes-AMG One on the Nürburgring.

Hamilton, who joined Scuderia Ferrari at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, has quickly immersed himself in the culture and legacy of the Prancing Horse. His enthusiasm for the F80 signals more than just a promotional gesture — it reflects a genuine appreciation for the brand’s engineering mastery.

“This is a whole new level,” he added after pushing the F80 to its limits on the demanding Fiorano circuit. Powered by the most potent drivetrain ever placed in a Ferrari road car, the F80 delivers extreme acceleration, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and unmistakable Italian flair.

Joining Hamilton on the day was teammate Charles Leclerc, who also couldn’t hide his admiration. According to sources close to the team, Leclerc is seriously considering purchasing an F80 himself.

Despite its eye-watering performance and limited production, the F80 is already a sold-out success. All 799 units have been spoken for — a testament to Ferrari’s enduring allure. Still, insiders hint that an exception might be made for Hamilton, who has only just begun his journey with the Maranello-based team.

For a driver known for chasing perfection on the track, the F80 seems to have struck a personal chord. As Hamilton’s new chapter with Ferrari unfolds, his growing connection to the brand may be just as thrilling as anything he does on race day.

Source: Ferrari via YouTube

In October, Ferrari unveiled its most powerful car ever, the Ferrari F80. Only 799 units will be produced and a few days ago a video was published on Ferrari’s official YouTube channel showing two Formula 1 drivers, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, driving this car at the Fiorano track.

The car was covered in camouflage, so it is assumed that the video was created before the launch for advertising purposes. Both drivers were delighted with the car’s performance, saying they felt like they were driving a race car, a predictable race car. They liked the fact that you don’t have to steer a lot. “It’s extremely powerful. It’s close to F1,” said Carlos Sainz. “For me, it’s the best Ferrari I’ve ever driven,” added Charles Leclerc.

The Ferrari F80 is inspired by the Daytona models and the legendary F40, combined with aerodynamic solutions from Formula 1. It is equipped with an asymmetric monocoque chassis made of carbon fiber and composite materials while the roof is completely carbon, front S-Duct channels that create 450 kg of downforce only on the front axle at a speed of 250 km/h, an active wing and a massive 180 cm diffuser. Inside are a two-seat configuration and a driver-focused cockpit, which Ferrari says is the “1+” configuration.

When it comes to the powertrain, the F80 is powered by a V6 twin-turbo engine paired with three electric motors with a total power of 1,200 hp (882 kW). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.15 seconds with a top speed of more than 350 km/h (217 mph). Ignition and injection timing were modified and combustion chamber pressure was increased by 20 percent compared to the 296. Thanks to that, the V6 engine spins at a maximum of 9,000 rpm. The engine was mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which was specially calibrated to handle the additional pressure.