Akmal Azhar
On his very first day with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton took the opportunity to experience the marque’s latest engineering marvel—the Ferrari F80 hypercar. Sharing the track with teammate Charles Leclerc at Fiorano, both drivers emerged impressed by the car’s staggering capabilities, with Hamilton calling it “the fastest road car I’ve ever been in.”
Blistering Performance with Formula 1 DNA
The F80 isn’t just a design exercise—it’s a showcase of Ferrari’s motorsport pedigree translated into road-going form. Developed to celebrate Ferrari’s 80th anniversary, the F80 uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine based on the 499P Le Mans car, paired with three electric motors. The combined output reaches 1,200 horsepower and 793 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed F1-style dual-clutch transmission. The car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.15 seconds and reaches 125 mph in only 5.75 seconds, topping out at 217 mph.
Reactions from the Drivers
Hamilton, clearly impressed, commented that even compared to the Mercedes-AMG One, the F80 felt faster and more exhilarating. In Ferrari’s official video, he praised the car’s overall handling and stated, “I’ve got to order me one of these one day.” Leclerc also lauded the car’s performance, especially its braking, agility, and cornering balance. He described the driving feel as extremely precise and confidence-inspiring.
Engineering Brilliance and Lightweight Design
The F80 weighs just 1,525 kg dry, with advanced aerodynamics delivering over 1,100 kg of downforce at speed. Carbon-ceramic brakes ensure optimal stopping power, and the car’s structure incorporates extensive carbon fiber to balance strength and lightness. At Fiorano, the F80 posted a record-breaking lap time of 1:15.30, the fastest ever by a Ferrari road car.
Exclusivity and Price Tag
Limited to just 799 units worldwide, all examples of the F80 have already been sold. The hypercar is priced around £3–4 million (approximately €3.6 million or USD $3.9 million). With such exclusivity, it’s not just a hypercar—it’s a collector’s item and a symbol of Ferrari’s road-racing mastery.
An Emotional Connection Behind the Wheel
More than just numbers, both Hamilton and Leclerc highlighted the emotional thrill of driving the F80. Hamilton admitted he’d never experienced anything like it on the road, while Leclerc praised its lightweight feel and instant feedback. Their genuine excitement signals a deeper connection between Ferrari’s road and racing programs.
Ferrari’s Hypercar Strategy in Action
The F80 serves not just as a celebration of Ferrari’s legacy but as a vision for the future. By merging Formula 1 know-how with road-going sophistication, Ferrari shows how the pinnacle of motorsport can influence everyday supercar performance. Hamilton’s involvement adds further star power and signifies his long-term commitment to the brand’s wider ambitions
Yusri Ng
