McLaren presents its vision for the future of Formula 1

The debate on electric vehicles continues to grow in motorsport. The sustainability of the Formula E championship, which has entered its fifth season this year, has shifted mindsets.

McLaren Applied Technologies, a subsidiary of the McLaren Group, today unveiled the results of its research on what Formula 1 could be like in 2050.

This future single-seater, named the MCLExtreme, would be a rear-wheel-drive electric car capable of reaching 500 km/h. Its appearance would also differ from current single-seaters as it would feature, among other things, a fully enclosed cockpit, streamlined wheels, adaptive aerodynamics that could adjust to the various circuit constraints turn by turn, and self-regenerating tires.

But beyond the single-seater, it is also the positions of the driver and the public that will be completely renewed. A co-pilot with artificial intelligence would be integrated into the single-seaters, and the public could directly participate in the race thanks to technologies developed by Esports.

The circuits would also be very different with banked turns and transparent roofs allowing the audience to miss none of the action. Drones would fly over the track to provide unprecedented viewing angles that could be chosen on-demand by spectators and viewers.

Rodi Basso, the Director of McLaren Applied Technology, is very excited about this innovative and comprehensive concept: “We are always looking to innovate to find the solution of tomorrow. In recent years, we’ve seen concepts and ideas about how a Formula 1 car could look and function in the future. However, this is the first time anyone has thoroughly considered a viable vision for the future of motorsport. We hope this will stimulate debate on how motorsport is responding to changes in technology and trends in sports entertainment so that we can meet the needs of fans in 2050.”