Since the very advent of the sport, Formula 1 has been the primary vessel for many sponsors and companies to exhibit their products in the global market. Motorsport is all about competition, glamor, and precision. In a nutshell, Formula 1 is the pinnacle. And for marketers and corporates, nothing smells of brand association better than F1 itself. Engine manufacturers, constructors, and brands all over the globe have strived to get their name associated with the sport. Now, with F1’s latest US invasion, Mercedes has many heads scratching over their latest commercial decision.

F1 is as big as it gets in America right now. That being said, you’d expect the Silver Arrows to be fully utilizing their market potential given their stature in the sport. However, the German automobile giants have taken a drastic step by cutting the US out completely from their grand plans!

Back in June 2022, Mercedes finally revealed their much-anticipated hyper car, the Mercedes AMG One. The 1000HP beast is a one-of-a-kind F1 spec road car. What this means is that the One has a bona fide Formula 1 engine under its hood! As soon as the company started taking orders for delivery, many US-based customers jumped at the opportunity. However, they were in for a nasty surprise. As it turns out, Mercedes will not be entertaining customers from the US at all.

In a letter sent to the customers, as reported by MotorAuthority, Mercedes wrote, “In order to preserve the unique character of [the One’s] Formula 1 powertrain, we have concluded that meeting U.S. road standards would significantly compromise its performance and its overall driving character. We have taken the strategic decision to offer the car for road usage in Europe, where it meets applicable regulations.” 

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The Mercedes One hyper car has a solid F1 legacy. But what exactly will the US be missing out on?

All you need to know about the F1-inspired Mercedes AMG One

Mercedes has branded the hyper as “The most extraordinary, contemporary, road-legal racing car to emerge from Affalterbach. Inspired by Formula 1, peppered with superlatives, made for the road.” And when you look a little closer, you’ll realize that they are not kidding.

The hypercar boasts a whopping 1063 horsepower that will propel the car to a speed of 186.4 mph in a mere 15.6 seconds. What’s more? According to Mercedes, “In the Strat 2 programme, the active aerodynamics, the tighter chassis tuning, the lowering of the vehicle and the full performance of all its motors all operate just as in the Formula 1 qualifying.”

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Imagine you could get your hands on any one hypercar in the entire world. Would it be the Mercedes AMG One?