OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who can be regarded as one of the most important figures behind the AI revolution that started with ChatGPT, was recently seen in his McLaren F1 supercar. For those who may not be aware, this supercar, launched back in 1992, is currently worth around Rs 167 crore. Yes, you heard that right. This $20 million supercar is one of the most expensive modern-day supercars, and Sam Altman was recently seen driving around in his own F1.
The video of Sam Altman in his McLaren F1 supercar has been shared on Instagram by Wealthynexgen on their page. In the short video, Sam Altman can be seen refueling his McLaren F1 at the fuel station in California. His F1 is finished in a shade of Vermilion red and can be seen equipped with silver center lock alloy wheels. In the video, Sam Altman was also seen sitting in the middle seat of the car where the steering wheel is positioned. He was then seen heading out of the fuel station.
McLaren F1
Many people may not be aware of this fact, but the McLaren F1 is a three-seater supercar. It came with a central driver seating position and is regarded as one of the most unique and greatest vehicles of all time. It was designed and unveiled by the legendary car designer Gordon Murray in 1992, and only 67 road-going models of this car were ever made. There are a few other variants of this supercar, including the F1 GTRs, the F1 LM, and F1 GT, which in total take the tally up to 106 units of the F1.
The engine inside the McLaren F1 was taken from BMW and designed by Paul Rosche. It received a naturally aspirated, 6.1-litre, V12 petrol engine capable of producing a massive 627 PS of maximum power and 650 Nm of peak torque. It was mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox that drove the rear wheels only. That was a massive power output considering that the F1 was launched in 1992 and weighed just 1.1 tonnes. The car was so extravagant for its time that it came with gold leaf inside the engine bay to deflect heat.
The F1 was one of the first cars to use a monocoque chassis made up of carbon fibre. It also received a number of other expensive materials, including titanium, Kevlar, and magnesium. The McLaren F1 can hit a top speed of 386 kmph. It can also hit 0-100 in just 3.2 seconds. Till now, the McLaren F1 holds the world record for the highest top speed for a car with a naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Mr. Bean and Elon Musk both owned McLaren F1s
Rowan Atkinson, more commonly known as Mr. Bean, was also a proud owner of a McLaren F1 supercar. Over the 17 years he owned the car, he crashed it twice and got it repaired both times; eventually, he sold it. Apart from him, Elon Musk, the CEO of the American electric automotive giant Tesla Inc, also used to own a McLaren F1, which he also crashed, and it also didn’t have insurance.