These Are The Cars Most Inspired By F1 Cars

We’ve gone ahead and scoured the web to find the top cars that are legitimate road going F1 cars. Some cost millions of dollars and some are cars that you can go out and buy right now on the cheap.

The BMW M5 E60: A Supercar in Saloon's Clothing

The BMW M5 E60 is a marvel of engineering, seamlessly blending the practicality of a family car with the heart-pounding performance of a supercar. Its F1-inspired V10 engine and 7-speed sequential gearbox make it a standout in its class, offering an unparalleled driving experience that few other vehicles can match. This engine was something originally designed with the help of the BMW Sauber F1 Team from the early 2000s.

A V10 F1 Inspired Engine

When the E60 M5 was unveiled, it took the automotive world by storm. Its V10 F1 inspired engine was a game-changer, offering a level of performance previously unheard of in a 4-door family car. This engine wasn't just about raw power; it was about delivering that power in a way that felt both exhilarating and refined. The E60 M5 wasn't just fast; it was a car that could lay waste to sports cars like the Ferrari 360, all while offering the comfort and practicality of a saloon.

The Porsche Carrera GT: A Legacy of Racing Excellence

The Porsche Carrera GT, a mid-engine sports car produced by the renowned German automobile manufacturer Porsche between 2004 and 2006, is a testament to the brand's racing heritage. With a lineage that can be traced back to the 911 GT1 and LMP1-98 racing cars, the Carrera GT embodies the spirit of the racetrack.

F1's Influence and the Carrera GT's Origins

The Carrera GT's development is deeply rooted in racing. The car's inception can be linked to the 911 GT1 and LMP1-98 racing vehicles. However, due to FIA and ACO rule changes in 1998, these designs were discontinued. Porsche had initially planned a new Le Mans prototype for the 1999 season with a turbocharged flat-six engine. But a significant shift occurred when the design was reimagined to incorporate a V10 engine. This V10 wasn't just any engine; it was a unit secretly crafted by Porsche for the Footwork Formula One team in 1992 but was shelved. This engine was later revived for the Le Mans prototype, showcasing the deep connection between the Carrera GT and Formula One technology.

Technical Brilliance

The Carrera GT is a marvel of engineering, boasting a carbon fiber monocoque and subframe. Its engine, a 5.7L V10, delivers a staggering 612 PS. Notably, the car's radiator is about five times the size of a 911 Turbo from its era. The Carrera GT also features Porsche's state-of-the-art Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite braking system. Furthermore, at speeds exceeding 113 km/h, an electronically operated rear wing emerges to counteract lift, a feature reminiscent of aerodynamic designs in F1 cars.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale: A Symphony of F1 Ingenuity

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is not just another supercar; it's a culmination of decades of Formula 1 engineering prowess and innovation, brought to the streets. It even shares the name with Ferrari’s F1 car from that year. Here's how the SF90 Stradale embodies the spirit of F1.

1. Hybrid Powertrain with F1 Roots

The SF90 is Ferrari's first plug-in hybrid, and its hybrid system is reminiscent of the kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) used in F1. The car boasts three electric motors, with one of them, the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic), being directly inspired by F1 technology.

2. Advanced Aerodynamics

Every aspect of the SF90 Stradale's design serves a functional purpose. The car's active aero utilizes two wings. For high-speed driving, air flows between these wings, but for high-downforce scenarios, a feature called the "Shut-Off Gurney Flap" comes into play, creating significant downforce. This intricate aerodynamic design is heavily influenced by F1 principles.

3. DRS-Inspired Features

While the SF90 Stradale doesn't have a DRS (Drag Reduction System) like in F1, its aerodynamic features, such as the active rear wing, function on similar principles. By optimizing airflow, the car can achieve maximum speed on straights and maintain stability during cornering, much like an F1 car.

4. Weight-saving and Chassis Design

The SF90 Stradale's chassis has been completely redesigned, using materials like carbon-fiber and a superalloy called Inconel. This results in a body with greater torsional rigidity and bending resistance, all without any weight increase. Such weight-saving techniques are paramount in F1 to ensure maximum speed and agility.

5. A Nod to F1 in its Name

The name "SF90" is a tribute to the Scuderia Ferrari's 90th anniversary, underlining the car's deep roots in racing and Ferrari's storied history in Formula 1.

McLaren F1: A Road Car Born from Formula 1 Mastery

The McLaren F1 is not just a supercar; it's a legend in the automotive world, drawing heavily from the brand's rich Formula 1 heritage. Here's how the F1 is deeply intertwined with the pinnacle of motorsport:

1. Formula 1 Inspired Design

Designed by the legendary F1 designer Gordon Murray, the McLaren F1 is a testament to the brand's racing prowess. Every aspect of the car, from its aerodynamics to its layout, is influenced by Formula 1 principles.

2. Carbon Fibre Monocoque Chassis

The McLaren F1 was the first road car to feature a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, dubbed the "MonoCell." This technology, inspired by F1, offers a perfect blend of lightweight construction and rigidity, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

3. Central Driving Position

One of the most distinctive features of the McLaren F1 is its central driving position, reminiscent of a single-seater racing car. This design choice not only offers a unique driving experience but also aligns the driver perfectly with the car's center of gravity, much like in an F1 car.

4. Unparalleled Speed

The McLaren F1 was not just inspired by Formula 1 in terms of technology; it also aimed to match the sport's speed. The car set a world record in 1998, achieving a top speed of 240.1 mph, making it the fastest production car of its time.

5. F1 Name and Legacy

The very name "F1" pays homage to the sport, reflecting the car's deep roots in Formula 1. Everything about the McLaren F1, from its design to its performance, is a nod to the brand's success in the 1980s and early 1990s in the F1 championship.

In essence, the McLaren F1 is more than just a road car; it's a piece of Formula 1 history brought to life, offering enthusiasts a taste of the racetrack on the open road.

Mercedes-AMG Project ONE: F1 Technology for the Streets

The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is a groundbreaking hypercar that brings Formula 1 technology directly to the road. Here's how this vehicle embodies the spirit and technology of F1:

1. Formula 1 Hybrid Technology

The Project ONE transfers the most efficient Formula 1 hybrid technology almost one-to-one from the track to the street. This performance hybrid is expected to produce over 1,000 horsepower and reach a top speed of over 350 km/h, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive engineering.

2. Aerodynamic Mastery

The design of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is rooted in functionality. Each design detail, from the large black front spoiler to the dynamic roofline with its air inlet and shark fin, offers a specific benefit for the vehicle's overall performance. This aerodynamic focus is reminiscent of F1 cars, where every curve and edge is optimized for speed and stability.

3. High-Performance Plug-In Hybrid Drive

The components of the high-performance plug-in hybrid drive system EQ Power+ in the Project ONE are directly based on Formula 1. The system integrates a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid petrol engine with a total of four electric motors. One of these motors is integrated into the turbocharger, another is installed directly on the combustion engine linked to the crankcase, and the remaining two drive the front wheels. This intricate setup is a testament to the vehicle's F1 roots.

4. Unique Interior Design

The interior of the Project ONE is a fusion of performance and practicality, offering an authentic Formula 1 feel both on and off the track. The ergonomically contoured interior, complete with two bucket seats, is designed with a futuristic, minimalist style using innovative materials. The pedals and the Formula 1-style steering wheel can be adjusted, ensuring a tailored driving experience.

In conclusion, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is not just a hypercar; it's a symbol of Mercedes-AMG's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in automotive engineering, drawing heavily from their rich Formula 1 heritage.

Aston Martin Valkyrie: A Formula 1 Marvel on the Road

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a hypercar that stands as a testament to the fusion of cutting-edge F1 technology and Aston Martin's signature luxury. Here's how this vehicle is deeply rooted in the world of Formula 1:

1. Radical Aerodynamics

The Valkyrie's aerodynamic exterior, complete with an open underfloor, is designed to maximize downforce and harness the surrounding atmosphere. This design is reminiscent of the aerodynamic principles employed in F1 cars, ensuring optimal performance at high speeds.

2. Formula 1 Performance for the Streets

The Valkyrie is as close as one can get to a Formula 1 car without being restricted to the racetrack. Its technology is a direct result of a partnership with Red Bull Racing Advanced Technology, ensuring that the car embodies the spirit and performance of an F1 vehicle.

3. Exceptional Engineering

The Valkyrie pushes the boundaries of what's possible in automotive engineering. Every component, from its 100% carbon fibre structure to its 6.5-litre V12 engine developed with Cosworth, is designed for outlandish speed and performance. The engine is further enhanced with a KERS-style boost system, akin to those fitted in F1 cars, providing additional power when needed.

4. Hybrid Power Boost

The Valkyrie isn't just about raw power; it's about intelligent power delivery. The car's hybrid system uses the electric motor for a power boost during take-off, much like the kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) used in Formula 1.

In essence, the Aston Martin Valkyrie is a celebration of Formula 1 technology and design, offering a driving experience that is unparalleled in the world of hypercars.

Individuals Involved in Creating The Valkyrie

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is the result of a unique collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies. This hypercar is a testament to the fusion of cutting-edge F1 technology and Aston Martin's signature luxury. Here's a deeper look into the minds behind this masterpiece:

1. Adrian Newey: The F1 Design Maestro

Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer, is widely regarded as one of the most successful Formula One designers of all time. With a career spanning nearly 30 years and having designed ten World Championship-winning Formula One cars, Newey's involvement in the Valkyrie project brings unparalleled F1 expertise. He expressed his lifelong ambition to be involved in the design of a supercar, and the Valkyrie has allowed him to realize this dream. Newey's F1 insights have been instrumental in translating racing technology for the Valkyrie, ensuring it embodies the spirit of the racetrack.

2. Marek Reichman: Aston Martin's Design Visionary

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer since 2005, holds the key to the unmistakable design language of modern Aston Martins. With designs like the DB11, Vulcan, and One-77 under his belt, Reichman's collaboration with Newey promises a hypercar that is both aesthetically stunning and technologically advanced. He emphasized the unique opportunity to develop a hypercar that combines F1 aerodynamics with the iconic design language of an Aston Martin sports car.

3. Christian Horner: The Driving Force

Christian Horner, the Red Bull Racing Team Principal, expressed immense excitement about the partnership. He highlighted the project as a significant step for Red Bull Racing, bringing the iconic Aston Martin logo back to grand prix racing for the first time since 1960. Horner's leadership and vision have been pivotal in fostering the collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, aiming to produce the ultimate road car with F1 DNA.

4. Dr. Andy Palmer: Aston Martin's Guiding Light

Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andy Palmer emphasized the global stage that Formula One offers to build brand awareness. He expressed confidence that the partnership and the resulting hypercar would captivate car designers of the future and sports car enthusiasts worldwide.