Formula Zero: As Hamilton gears up for the Grand Prix, McLaren unveil the radical F1 car of the future

With Lewis Hamilton poised for glory this weekend, the McLaren driver's team has unveiled its spectacular take on the F1 car of the future.

The sleek Formula Zero Racer would race on steep, transparent tracks, allowing spectators a clear view of the action - even from below.

The concept car, designed by Mercedes, is one of nine ambitious designs entered in the LA Design Challenge 2008.

Nine Southern Californian studios will go head to head in the contest to develop the best racing car for ‘Motorsports in 2025’.

Formula Zero Racer is designed to mix the thrill of F1, the dynamics of bobsledding and the efficiency of yachting.


Mercedes says the design is reminiscent of the Mercedes Benz racing heritage of the 1930s.

But Formula Zero, geared to form part of F1’s green revolution, would be loaded with high-tech features to extract the maximum thrust from electric motors, with an aero-efficient solar skin and an aerodynamic rigid sail.

So while Hamilton will be hurtling towards the finish line on Sunday, racing stars would also score vital points for energy efficiency in the revamped sport of 2025.

Each team would be allocated the same amount of stored energy, with winners determined not only by time but also energy efficiency.