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via Reuters

via Reuters

Most of us, if not all the F1 fans, have dreamed of driving an F1 car, and certainly, millions of us have thought of owning one of the fastest cars as well. The cars have peak usage of science and technology and just sit beyond all the other sports cars. It’s the charisma, the sound, the speed, the turns, and everything else that defines an F1. But there’s also history, heritage, and a sense of belonging.

So, can an average person, with just some money lying around, buy an F1 car, which could’ve been driven by Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton? Well, the answer is both yes and no. Why do we say that it’s both? Because there are several nuances behind the answer that will determine the car if you can get your hands on it. But one thing, which is a prerequisite for buying one speedy monster is lots and lots of lying around money, which will go into buying the car and maintaining it.

via Imago

Now, why a yes and a no? Yes, because you can buy an F1 car. But no, because the car that you may get your hands on might not have an original engine that powers it. The F1 cars are available for purchase through various mediums. You can buy them through a live auction or online through private agencies, F1 teams, companies that specialize in luxury products, or even reselling websites such as eBay if the owner wants to sell them. The cars that are available through such portals are generally at least half a decade old since the technology used in more recent cars can still be a valuable asset for the teams, and it might land in the opponents’ hands. So getting hands-on Max or Lewis’s drives, you might have to wait for a couple more years.

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On the other hand, you may get your hands on an F1 car, but it might not have the original engine but carry other original parts. This can be a crucial factor in determining a car’s value since a typical new F1 car can cost up to $15.5 million, but a typical new engine can cost up to $10.5 million, making it the most expensive and determining factor.

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In short, yes, you can buy an F1 car. It depends on your requirements and interests and how much you are willing to sacrifice to make your dream come true. According to Autosport, the following are some prices of cars sold on the market after they were retired: Rubens Barrichello’s Ferrari F2001: $3.4 million in 2014; Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren MP4-25A: $5.7 million in 2021; Nigel Mansell’s Williams FW14: $4.3 million in 2022; Nigel Mansell’s Ferrari 640: $3.8 million in 2022; and Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F300: $4.9 million in 2022.

How much can one buy an F1 car for and what can they do with it?

The prices are very rarely revealed since most of the transfers are done through private channels to protect the investment value. But the prices listed above are indicative of a rough estimate. In addition to that, there are taxes that may vary from one country to another. The value of a car can be determined by factors such as the team and driver involved, performance, and compliance with a region’s emission regulations, among others.

Moreover, the maintenance value of such cars is exorbitant and well beyond the value of regular new cars. In addition to the great garage space needed to park it, the cars also need regular checkups, including checkups after driving.

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But what else can you do after buying the car? For starters, you can flex your muscles and impress your wealthy friends because you already have enough money to purchase such luxury items. But there’s more to it. You can drive your car on roads alone, testing it and running it wild—an experience that no other car on this planet can ever provide.

via Imago

Additionally, you can also race in competitions alongside people as passionate as you are. As per Autosport, Big Open Single Seaters, or BOSS GP, is a racing series that allows drivers to compete in ex-Formula 1 vehicles. With fewer entry requirements than Formula 1, racing series like BOSS GP enable drivers to gain experience on Formula-level machinery, courses, and racing. BOSS GP is a thrilling series as a result of its diversified field of drivers and vehicles. The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, often known as the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, was held from May 13–15, 2022, during which we witnessed Charles Leclerc’s home curse as he crashed into the wall.

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Hence, there are several ways you can go out and get your hands on one of the most powerful and advanced cars ever developed in the sport’s history. You just need to find out what suits your needs and how much you are willing to care for them. And as time proceeds, you are guaranteed more speed and technology. But don’t wait too long, because the car that you have your eye on may not be available for long.