Formula 1 Drivers: The Cars They Drive When They’re Not Racing
They drive the fastest cars on earth, but what vehicles do Formula 1 drivers have parked on their driveways? You’d be surprised. Take a look to discover the cars that are popular amongst the F1 drivers when they’re not on the job.
Read more: Our Favourite Fast and Furious Cars
Fiat 500 Abarth
A Fiat 500 is the last vehicle that springs to mind when you think of Formula One. Why? Well, it’s a small, city car therefore it’s far from the typical aggressive-looking car that we tend to associate with motor racing.
However, the 2-door hatch back, which launched in 2007, is popular due to its compact size, good handling and reliability. It’s available in a range of models with a variety of engines, from 0.9L to 1.4L.
There are several specialised Abarth versions of the Fiat 500, and most of these are turbocharged and feature additional upgrades to the interior or brakes. The turbocharged models range from 130 to 180 hp, depending upon edition, which is pretty nippy for a little 500!
So, which F1 drivers own a 500? Felipe Massa, two-time champion Sebastian Vettel and one-time champion Kimi Räikkönen! Who would have thought?!
Mégane Renaultsport
Another vehicle that seems unlikely to be owned by F1 personalities is the Mégane Renaultsport. However, don’t be fooled by this French hatchback. The car boats a 2.0L turbocharged engine which produces between 222 and 265hp, depending on the model, so not only is it sporty but it performs well too.
In fact, did you know that one particular version of the Mégane Renaultsport set the FWD record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in a time of 8:07.97. Pretty impressive, huh?
And if you’re a tough crowd then check out the clip below of the Mégane Renaultsport keeping up with and beating a Porsche 911 on the same track!
So, is this car unworthy for a F1 driver? Well, Mark Webber and Vitaly Petrov don’t think so.
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Now this car slightly resembles luxury and power, and whilst it’s not anywhere near F1 driver material, it at least looks like it has the aptitude to be fast and aggressive.
Available in sedan and wagon models, the C63 AMG provides the luxury of a Mercedes with the power and performance that is linked to the AMG badge. All versions of this car are powered by a 6.2 V8, however power can vary depending on the version and packages added.
For example, the ‘base’ C63 puts out 451hp but when teamed with an AMG Performance Package, it can put out a remarkable 480hp so you can go from 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds.
The C63 AMG Black Series is what drivers turn to if they’re after peak performance. Why? Well, with numerous upgrades and an engine which produces 510hp, the top of the line version has a 0-60 time of only 4.2 seconds.
So, it’s no wonder the C3 has a notable following from F1 drivers Vitantonio Liuzzi, Nico Rosberg, champion Jenson Button and seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.
Now that you know the cars owned by F1 drivers, your car doesn’t seem too shabby, does it?! But do you want to give it an extra something? Then buy a personalised number plate with us and set your car apart from others. Take a look at our range today and find the perfect plate to represent you.
