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Mika Häkkinen Drives the McLaren Solus GT to Glory at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed
At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen took the wheel of the McLaren Solus GT, delivering a thrilling performance up the iconic hillclimb. Häkkinen, who famously drove the McLaren MP4/13 to victory in the late 1990s, returned to his roots with a modern twist, showcasing the Solus GT as a tribute to his historic racing legacy.
The McLaren Solus GT, a stunning single-seater hypercar, was finished as a tribute to Häkkinen’s 1998 MP4/13, reflecting the artistry of McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The Solus GT, one of only 25 customer cars produced, features a bespoke livery that closely resembles the MP4/13’s 1998 design, thanks to the meticulous craftsmanship of the MSO paint team.
Häkkinen’s appearance at the festival was more than just a nostalgic nod to the past; it was a demonstration of McLaren’s cutting-edge engineering. The Solus GT, revealed in August 2022, brings the virtual world to reality, inspired by the McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo concept car. Powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine, the Solus GT delivers 840PS and revs beyond 10,000rpm. Its aerodynamic prowess, developed through wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), produces over 1,200kg of downforce, ensuring exceptional performance and handling.
The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed also saw McLaren factory driver Marvin Kirchhöfer claim victory in the Solus GT during the Timed Shootout Final, with a remarkable time of 45.342 seconds. This win marked McLaren’s second triumph in three years at Goodwood, following the success of the 720S GT3X in 2021.
Mika Häkkinen expressed his exhilaration, saying, “Driving the Solus GT is an experience that reminds me of my time racing with McLaren. A true single-seater with incredible V10 power and sound – just incredible!”
As McLaren continues to innovate and push the boundaries of automotive design, the Solus GT stands as a testament to their dedication to performance and heritage. The Solus GT not only honors Häkkinen’s legendary career but also represents the pinnacle of McLaren’s engineering excellence.
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