Formula 1 Hits American Streets: AMG ONE Arrives
Mercedes finally delivered what many thought impossible: a street-legal Formula 1 car with license plates.
The first Mercedes-AMG ONE has touched down on American soil, making its debut at Charlotte’s Ten Tenths Circuit. Only 55 of these German hypercars will reach U.S. shores.
F1 Tech That Actually Works
The AMG ONE doesn’t just borrow racing aesthetics – it transplants Lewis Hamilton’s office directly to public roads.
At its core sits a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain lifted from Mercedes’ championship-winning F1 cars. Four electric motors join the party, creating a combined 1,063 horsepower system that propels this carbon fiber missile with violent efficiency.
The numbers tell the story:
- 0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
- 0-124 mph: 7.0 seconds
- 0-186 mph: 15.6 seconds
- Top speed: 219 mph
Aerodynamics match the powertrain’s aggression. Active elements adjust in real-time – movable front slats, an extending rear wing, and diffuser flaps that would make Adrian Newey nod in approval.
Exclusivity By Design
Production began in August 2022 after years of engineering headaches. Adapting an F1 powertrain for street use proved nearly impossible.
The global allocation stops at 275 units. Each carries a $2.7 million starting price before customization options inflate the figure further.
Inside, the cockpit abandons luxury pretense for race-focused minimalism. F1-styled bucket seats integrate directly into the carbon monocoque. The steering wheel could have been pulled from Bottas’ spare parts bin.
America’s First Taste
The Charlotte appearance marks the beginning of Mercedes’ hypercar offensive in America. Each of the 55 U.S.-bound examples represents the pinnacle of what’s mechanically possible when regulations get stretched to breaking point.
The AMG ONE exists as Mercedes’ technological statement – the culmination of their F1 dominance translated to something you could theoretically drive to get groceries.
Though you probably shouldn’t. The engine needs rebuilding every 31,000 miles.
For the privileged few who secured an allocation, they’ve purchased more than transportation. They’ve acquired the closest thing to an F1 experience without needing a racing license or team of mechanics.
The rest of us can only watch from the grandstands.
