Goodwood, UK, July 14, 2024 – The iconic two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen returned to the limelight, driving the stunning McLaren Solus GT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event marked a nostalgic and exhilarating reunion, with Häkkinen piloting a Solus GT adorned in a livery that paid homage to his title-winning MP4/13 Formula 1 car from 1998.
The Finnish racing legend, who secured the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships in 1998 and 1999 with McLaren, once again captured the crowd’s attention as he navigated the Goodwood Hill. The Solus GT, a high-revving V10-powered single-seater, echoed the glory days of Formula 1’s V10 era, blending contemporary engineering with a classic tribute to Häkkinen’s racing heritage.
The bespoke livery on the Solus GT was meticulously crafted by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), ensuring an authentic representation of the MP4/13 chassis. This unique paint job was applied by a veteran member of the MSO paint team who originally worked on Häkkinen’s championship-winning cars, adding a touch of historical authenticity to the modern hypercar.
“Driving the Solus GT is an experience that brings back memories of my racing days with McLaren. The power and sound of the V10 engine are simply incredible,” Häkkinen remarked.
Unveiled in August 2022, the McLaren Solus GT represents the pinnacle of track-only hypercar design, inspired by the McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo concept from the Gran Turismo SPORT video game. Weighing less than 1,000kg and powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine capable of exceeding 10,000rpm, the Solus GT delivers 840PS and over 1,200kg of downforce thanks to its advanced aerodynamics.
This year’s Goodwood appearance was a continuation of the Solus GT’s impressive history at the event. In 2023, McLaren factory driver Marvin Kirchhöfer claimed victory in the Timed Shootout Final with a time of 45.342 seconds, making the Solus GT the fastest car at Goodwood for the second time in three years.
Häkkinen’s drive at Goodwood was a nostalgic yet forward-looking moment, bridging the gap between his storied past and McLaren’s innovative future. As one of only 25 customer cars produced, the Solus GT driven by Häkkinen not only celebrates his legacy but also showcases McLaren’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance and design.
