McLaren Applied Technologies has set out its ultimate vision for Grand Prix racing three decades from now. The year is 2050, the Formula 1 World Championship is celebrating its centenary, and technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, electrification and mixed reality will have become commonplace in society.
The brand launched an extensive research project into the needs of the sport’s most important stakeholders – the fans – and used its expertise in powertrain, aerodynamics, design, materials technology, data science and human performance to create a blueprint for grand Prix racing.
As with most research projects, McLaren needed a model to work with. Take a look at the MCLExtreme.
The concept is a 500km/h rear-wheel-drive electric car which has “shape-shifting” aero abilities and “self-healing” tyres. Drivers on board will be joined by an AI co-pilot and will wear reinforced race suits to handle high speeds and g-force.
McLaren’s vision of futuristic race tracks include pit lanes with the capacity for battery charging and circuits that can adapt to extreme weather.
This may all seem a bit over-the-top, but it gives us an idea of what car, driver, track and fan experiences could evolve into.
“We must provide a platform which rewards driver skill, but also showcases their personality and their emotions: a honed athlete hidden behind a corporate fascia just won’t cut it in 2050. We want to see gladiators,” says Rodi Basso, Motorsport Director at McLaren Applied Technologies.
