Hamilton promised $4m McLaren F1 LM for winning title

Click above to view more images of the McLaren F1 LM
Ten years ago, Lewis Hamilton was only 13 years old and was already under the wing of McLaren chief Ron Dennis. A young Lewis visited the McLaren headquarters in Woking, England, and fixed his eyes on a bright orange McLaren F1 LM supercar sitting on display at the factory. Good taste, Lewis: only five roadgoing LMs were made, and each one is said to be worth about $4 million. Produced in 1995 to commemorate McLaren's win at Le Mans, it was the fastest supercar of its day, and with a 0-60 time of under three seconds, it remains one of the fastest to this day.
Ron Dennis has now promised
Gallery: McLaren F1 LM
[Source: F1-Live]




![Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed <b>[*UPDATE:</b> Now with actual crash video!]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti-veyron-swim-1258147199_143x85.jpg)


Get a WordPress.com Blog




Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mushy 11:57AM (3/27/2008)
This is really old news. Dennis said - two years ago - that if Hamilton won two titles out of three seasons (that he'd signed for), he could have the F1 LM.
Reply
Mushy 12:01PM (3/27/2008)
And another thing - Lewis can't help McLaren to win the constructor title, because they were excluded from it - this year and last.
BPeredo 12:21PM (3/27/2008)
Actually, they can contend for the Constructors' Title this year. They had to pass examination in time for Melbourne in order to be eligible for this year's title - and they did.
Mr. Oak 11:58AM (3/27/2008)
Oh Hell yes!! I would bump mother off the road for this car.
Reply
f3rg 12:00PM (3/27/2008)
*If*.
But I think he can do it.
Reply
speedball3 12:03PM (3/27/2008)
One of my favorite, if not THE favorite, of supercars. The bugatti might be faster, whatever, but it's got nothing on this car. Room for 3 (well, prob not in LM form, but still), centered driving position, timeless styling (note that it still looks AWESOME, some 13+ yrs later). Awesome car. Shame they didn't make more (and it was so expensive...and I will never be able to see/hear/sit in/drive one).
Reply
Mr. Oak 12:08PM (3/27/2008)
The Buggi only faster on a runway, or an Oval track. The MaLaren F1 is a true thoroughbred.
mk 12:40PM (3/27/2008)
*automotive holy grail*
There should be a latin chant choir and a heavenly spotlight that comes as an option for that car.
I am not actually trying to equate this car with God by any means, but in terms of earthly human creations, this has to be one of the best in the mechanical category. The F1 is such an amazing car, the LM only moreso.
Reply
lulz 12:54PM (3/27/2008)
Hah, I wonder if the offer extends to Heikki as well. Or is it just the Hamilton half of the McLaren team that gets this bonus for a WDC.
Reply
Way of the Future 12:56PM (3/27/2008)
to know that they are only 5 in the world and when he gets his (yes, i think he will win it all this year), I could not see even moving this car from where it is. And, he gets speeding tickets in regular vehicles, just imagine him with this beast.
Reply
Geza 1:09PM (3/27/2008)
BMW engine for a title :)
Reply
moa 8:10AM (3/28/2008)
:) win in merc, get bmw as a reward. bmw shoud put this on adverts everywhere.
Chase 3:33AM (3/29/2008)
i don't give a damn if Lewis Hamilton won the World Series, the NCAA Tournament, the Rose Bowl, the Superbowl and the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Championship in the same year... you don't give that car to ANYONE.
I don't care if Jesus Christ himself came down from the heavens and promised you greater eternal glory and that you'd be the only person to know the joys of true eternal life at the side of God in return for the Mclaren F1 LM... YOU DON'T GIVE THAT CAR TO ANYONE!
That is my favorite vehicle on the planet bar none, and to have the opportunity to even see one in person would be one of the best moments of my life... and this jerk gets one just for winning a race? F*@K!!!
Reply
Pat 1:12PM (3/27/2008)
I wonder what Kovalainen gets since it appears the deal is to win the drivers and constructors championship. I wouldn't turn down an SLR McLaren 722, but it ain't no McLaren F1 LM.
Reply
David(Postal) 1:12PM (3/27/2008)
Wow i am so jealous! this is still my favorite supercar! I was so happy to drive it in Need for Speed 2
Reply
hashiryu 1:39PM (3/27/2008)
I think he can help McLaren bring home the constructors title (with useless Massa behind the wheel of the second Ferrari), but he is going to have a hell of a time with Kimi for the WDC
Reply
Fabri91 1:47PM (3/27/2008)
That is great motivation for sure.
Reply
Gooch 1:50PM (3/27/2008)
Hey Ron Dennis,
Instead of telling him you'll give him the car you should probably be giving ME, why don't you just let Lewis win the world championship first. I mean, it IS an amazing accomplishment on its own, isn't it?
After he wins the championship, surprise him with the car! But oops -- the cat's already out of the bag.
You're still my favorite team principal, but you're slipping. Big time. First you let Fernando punk you into spilling the goods to the FIA, and now you're offering carrots to the young rabbits driving your cars. The old Ron Dennis, the man who told Ayrton Freakin' Senna to "just get on with it," when he complained about Prost, would have told Lewis to look out for the red cars instead of looking at that orange one, and guess what -- those white cars aren't too far behind, and neither is the other silver and black car.
Here's hoping THAT Ron Dennis comes back. But, oh well, it's the 21st century now. Guess that old school stuff is out of the window.
Reply
steve 2:09PM (3/27/2008)
woot! a used car for winning the championship! wohoo!
Reply
Luis 2:16PM (3/27/2008)
There are a few other drivers that will have something to say about that coming to fruition...
Reply