Sam Altman, the founder of ChatGPT, was spotted behind the wheel of his Rs 167 crore Mclaren F1 supercar, making headlines in the motoring world. The rare and extravagant vehicle, worth around $20 million, is considered one of the most expensive modern-day supercars. Altman was captured in a video shared on Wealthynexgen’s Instagram page, refueling his McLaren F1 in California.
The video showcases Altman’s striking Vermilion red F1, complete with silver center lock alloy wheels. What sets this supercar apart is its central driver seating position, accommodating three people in total. Designed by renowned car designer Gordon Murray and launched in 1992, the McLaren F1 remains one of the most unique and iconic vehicles ever created. Only 67 road-going models were produced, with a few additional variants, such as the F1 GTRs, F1 LM, and F1 GT, bringing the total to 106 units.
Under the hood, the McLaren F1 packs a punch with its 6.1-liter, naturally aspirated V12 engine, sourced from BMW and designed by Paul Rosche. This powerhouse delivers an astonishing 627 PS of maximum power and 650 Nm of peak torque. Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the F1 propels its lightweight 1.1-tonne frame with incredible performance. Notably, the engine bay even features gold leaf to deflect heat—an extravagant touch matching the car’s unparalleled aura.
The McLaren F1 pioneered the use of a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, showcasing the car’s forward-thinking engineering. Additionally, the F1 incorporated luxury materials like titanium, Kevlar, and magnesium. With a top speed of 386 kmph (240 mph) and a blistering 0-100 acceleration time of just 3.2 seconds, the F1 still holds the record for the fastest naturally aspirated petrol engine car.
Altman isn’t the only famous face associated with the McLaren F1. Comedian Rowan Atkinson, famous for his role as Mr. Bean, once owned an F1 but encountered two accidents during his 17-year ownership, resulting in subsequent repairs and eventual sale. Likewise, Tesla CEO Elon Musk also had a McLaren F1 but met a similar fate, crashing the car twice without insurance coverage.
The sighting of Altman cruising in his multi-million dollar supercar showcases his success as an influential figure in the AI revolution, with ChatGPT being a prominent testament to his efforts. With its striking design, powerful performance, and limited production numbers, the McLaren F1 continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide. Altman’s ownership of this automotive masterpiece further solidifies the F1’s status as an iconic symbol of ultimate automotive excellence.
