Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Earnings/Financials
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]
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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.
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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.
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f3rg 12:00PM (3/27/2008)
*If*.
But I think he can do it.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Geza 1:09PM (3/27/2008)
BMW engine for a title :)
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moa 8:10AM (3/28/2008)
:) win in merc, get bmw as a reward. bmw shoud put this on adverts everywhere.
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.
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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
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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
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Fabri91 1:47PM (3/27/2008)
That is great motivation for sure.
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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.
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steve 2:09PM (3/27/2008)
woot! a used car for winning the championship! wohoo!
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Luis 2:16PM (3/27/2008)
There are a few other drivers that will have something to say about that coming to fruition...
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r33 9:18AM (3/28/2008)
nothing better then have the company owner in love with you.
the kid lost a won tittle last year,he haves the nigel mansel syndrom.
he backsdown and do stupid things when decisions have to be made.
like "the lion"he will win one tittle someday and live f1 to be another legendary pilot "famous"only in britain.
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