Elysium
The F80 surprises Charles and Lewis.
Ferrari has a legacy of pushing boundaries, and with the new Ferrari F80, the Italian marque dives headfirst into the hybrid hypercar era. Combining lessons from endurance racing with cutting-edge road technology, the F80 isn’t just fast—it’s a revelation. And who better to test it than two of Ferrari’s Formula 1 drivers: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
A Legacy Born from the 499P
Inspired by Ferrari’s Le Mans-winning 499P, the F80 isn’t just a successor—it’s a spiritual continuation. While the 499P dominated circuits with endurance-focused precision, the F80 brings that performance to the street in an awe-inspiring package.
Hybrid Innovation in a Road Car
The F80 fuses a twin-turbocharged V6 with dual electric motors, creating an all-wheel-drive hybrid setup that delivers a jaw-dropping 1200 cv. This marriage of combustion and electrification gives it unmatched torque and responsiveness, redefining what a Ferrari can be.
Fiorano Circuit – Ferrari’s Sacred Playground
Why Fiorano is Perfect for the F80
Ferrari’s private test circuit, Fiorano, is a track steeped in racing DNA. It’s a proving ground designed to push every model to its limits. With varied corners, elevation changes, and long straights, it’s the ideal stage for a machine like the F80 to show its true colors.
Historic Track Moments Revisited
From Schumacher’s lap records to hypercar prototypes being honed into perfection, Fiorano has seen it all. And now, it adds another page to its history—featuring two of the sport’s finest drivers and a groundbreaking car.
A Day of Fun – No Stopwatch, Just Adrenaline
Charles Leclerc’s First Stint
Climbing into the driver’s seat first, Leclerc eases the F80 out of the pits, saving the real aggression for when Lewis joins as co-pilot. “I haven’t pushed yet. I was waiting for you,” he says cheekily, revving the hybrid powertrain as anticipation builds.
Lewis Hamilton Joins the Ride
Strapped into the passenger seat, Hamilton is visibly curious and slightly wary. As Charles unleashes the F80 down the Fiorano straight, both men are visibly startled by its ferocity. “This is the fastest road car I’ve ever been in,” shouts Lewis over the howl of the V6 and electric whir.
Exploring the F80’s Heart – Engineering Marvel
900cv V6 Engine
At its core lies a 3.0L twin-turbocharged 120° V6 engine, producing an astonishing 900 cv. Engineered for maximum response, it revs to an exhilarating 9000 rpm, delivering instant acceleration with racing pedigree.
300cv Electric Motors
Add to that 300 CV from front-mounted electric motors, and the F80 achieves blistering all-wheel drive traction and torque vectoring. These motors aren’t just for boost—they’re a cornerstone of the F80’s driving feel.
Aerodynamics and Active Suspension
Adaptive aero components and advanced active suspension keep the F80 planted, even when Charles and Lewis test its limits. It’s this balance of raw power and fine-tuned control that impresses both drivers.
Passenger Thrills – F1 Teammates Turn Rivals
Charles Pushes the Limits
As Leclerc grows more confident, his pace increases. The car darts through curves, devouring the circuit. Lewis grips the seat, eyes wide. “It feels so light. The steering is amazing—so direct,” Charles comments, voice cracking with glee.
Lewis Reacts with Awe
Hamilton’s reactions oscillate between delight and disbelief. “This is super-impressive,” he yells after catching a wild slide in Turn 11. It’s the kind of car that makes even seasoned champions feel like rookies again.
Lewis Hamilton Takes the Wheel
From Smooth to Savage
When it’s his turn to drive, Lewis transforms from passenger to predator. His approach is clinical yet aggressive, slicing through corners like he’s chasing a pole. “Sounds pretty good,” he starts—later updating it to “sounds frickin’ amazing actually.”
Praise for Sound, Grip, and Control
The turbo-hybrid V6’s scream at high rpm is complemented by the tactile feel of the steering and the powerful braking system. “The brakes! Man, they stop like a jet hitting an arrestor wire,” Lewis marvels.
Reversing Roles – Charles Strikes Back
Back in the Hot Seat
With Hamilton setting a high bar, Leclerc jumps back in for revenge laps. He tightens his belts, grins at Lewis, and attacks the track with flair.
Competitive Laps Without the Pressure
There’s no stopwatch, but the rivalry’s real. The F80 becomes the medium for playful one-upmanship between teammates. The result? Roars of laughter in the pit lane and a bonding experience only a few can understand.
Handling, Balance, and Braking – F80’s Key Highlights
Steering Precision
One of the standout features for both drivers was the steering feel. Charles noted its directness, saying it gave him complete confidence in the middle of the corner. Lewis echoed the sentiment, likening it to his F1 car’s feedback—precise, immediate, and alive in your hands.
Carbon-Ceramic Brakes
The carbon-ceramic matrix rotors (CCM-R) deliver mind-bending stopping power. At one point, Leclerc jokes about nearly flying through the windshield as Lewis hammers the brakes at the end of a straight. Fade-free, surgical, and brutal—everything a supercar should offer.
Low Center of Gravity
Thanks to the placement of the hybrid battery and electric motors, the F80 enjoys an exceptionally low center of gravity. Hamilton praised this aspect, noting how composed and planted the car remained, even through aggressive changes in direction.
Hybrid Hypercar Meets Formula 1 Feedback
Real-World Endorsement
When two of the world’s best drivers rave about a car, you take notice. Their praise wasn’t a marketing script—it was raw and genuine. Their laughter, their reactions, and their feedback spoke volumes about the F80’s capabilities.
Engineering Team’s Reaction
As Charles and Lewis pulled into the pits, Ferrari’s engineers were all ears. From brake modulation to throttle mapping, the insights gathered were priceless. For the F80’s development team, it was a milestone moment.
What Makes the F80 So Special?
Blend of Track and Road
The F80 manages to bridge the gap between race car and road car better than almost anything before it. It’s visceral yet refined, wild but controllable, and futuristic without losing Ferrari’s soul.
Ferrari’s Electric Future
This hybrid marvel is a glimpse into Ferrari’s roadmap. With more electrified models on the horizon, the F80 proves that performance and sustainability can co-exist without compromise.
The F80 vs Other Supercars
Performance Comparison
Compared to peers like the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder, and Ferrari’s own SF90 Stradale, the F80 delivers superior raw output and a more immersive driving experience. It sprints from 0–200 km/h in 5.75 seconds—placing it among the elite.
Unique Driving Experience
What sets the F80 apart is its dual nature: savage performance underpinned by intelligent systems. Where others may feel clinical, the F80 is emotional. It roars, it slides, it dances—all while whispering that it’s got more to give.
Key Specs and Performance Figures
| Specification | Detail |
| Engine | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Electric Motors | Dual front-axle motors |
| Combined Power | 1200 cv |
| 0-200 km/h | 5.75 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Redline | 9000 rpm |
F1 Drivers as Testers – Valuable Insights
Translating Track Feel to Road Cars
Having F1 talents like Leclerc and Hamilton test the F80 brings real-world credibility. Their experience provides unique insights that help bridge the gap between track perfection and road practicality.
How F1 Drivers Shape Development
From suspension tuning to power delivery, the drivers’ comments don’t fall on deaf ears. Ferrari incorporates their input directly into refining the car’s character, ensuring it performs not only on paper but in the hands of its drivers.
Behind the Scenes – Engineering the F80
From Prototype to Production
Years of development, inspired by the 499P, culminated in this technological tour de force. Every bolt, every curve, every line is purpose-built. Aerodynamics weren’t just simulated—they were sculpted on Fiorano’s tarmac.
Advanced Materials and Tech
Carbon fiber monocoque, advanced battery tech, and cutting-edge electronics make the F80 not just fast, but smart. Adaptive systems adjust to driving style, terrain, and grip in real-time, making anyone feel like a hero behind the wheel.
The Future of Ferrari’s Hypercars
Lessons from the F80
This isn’t a one-off. The F80 is a foundation. Its hybrid tech, balance, and race-inspired design language will influence Ferrari’s next generation of vehicles.
What’s Next After Fiorano?
If the F80 is any indication, Ferrari is not just keeping up—they’re setting the pace. More hybrid and possibly all-electric models are in the pipeline, but all will carry the same spirit that surprised Charles and Lewis.
Final Thoughts from Charles and Lewis
Leclerc’s Verdict
“Very impressive. The balance is spot on, and the snaps are easy to control,” Charles said, grinning after his laps. He looked like a kid at an amusement park—tired but thrilled.
Hamilton’s Enthusiastic Praise
“I’ve never driven anything like this—it’s insane,” Lewis beamed. His summary? “Sounds frickin’ amazing,” as he described redlining the beast around Fiorano’s hairpins.
FAQs About the Ferrari F80
What is the top speed of the F80?
While Ferrari hasn’t disclosed an official top speed, estimates place it above 350 km/h, thanks to its 1200 cv output and aerodynamic efficiency.
How powerful is the hybrid system?
The hybrid system delivers a total of 300 kW from the electric motors, supporting the 900 kW V6 for a combined 1200 kW.
Will the F80 be street-legal?
Yes, the F80 is designed as a road-legal hypercar, despite its race-car roots and performance levels.
How does it compare to the SF90 Stradale?
The F80 offers more power, a more aggressive aero package, and significantly more dynamic performance on track compared to the SF90.
Can customers buy the exact spec driven by Charles and Lewis?
Ferrari has not confirmed this, but a limited production version inspired by this prototype is likely.
Is Fiorano accessible to the public for test drives?
Fiorano is generally not open to the public, but Ferrari clients may have the opportunity to visit through exclusive programs.
Conclusion – A Hybrid Masterpiece on Track and Beyond
The F80 surprises Charles and Lewis—not just with raw numbers, but with how it made them feel. In a world increasingly dominated by efficiency and silence, the F80 roars with passion, purpose, and unrelenting power. It’s a reminder that Ferrari’s future is electrified, but its heart remains unchanged.
