Being seen is the name of the game at the Monaco Grand Prix. As a newcomer to this renowned event, I had anticipated as much. Yet, the world’s mega-rich managed to exceed even my wildest expectations. A luxury car and a superyacht, both epitomes of the Monaco lifestyle, were combined for the ultimate display of wealth. It’s a case of one-upmanship at its finest.
Imagine for a moment that you’re an avid McLaren collector. You have a hefty bank account and regularly shop at the British car manufacturer. As a loyal customer, you start by having all the ‘entry-level’ models in your garage, likely in both coupé and convertible variants. In addition, you’ve treated yourself to some of the more unique vehicles. And yes, of course, you opted for special rims, a unique paint job, and all the carbon options the dealer could think of. All in an effort to increase your popularity among the McLaren clientele.
Your efforts have paid off. You are selected, along with twenty-four other loyal papaya customers, to purchase a McLaren Solus GT. That’s how things work these days with sports car manufacturers. With the Solus GT, you’re getting one of the most exclusive speedsters the Brits have ever made. A true single-seater, equipped with a V10 engine boasting over 800 horsepower, is designed to bring the real Formula 1 experience to the average person. Is there a better car for the streets of Monaco?
The answer is yes. Because your new McLaren Solus GT is so extreme that it’s not allowed on public roads – all twenty-five models are exclusively for track use. So, no parade laps around the Casino de Monte-Carlo! How are you supposed to show off that you’ve (brace yourself) spent 3.5 million euros on a new car?
Limits of the Track
One of the wealthy individuals who actually managed to purchase a Solus GT has found a solution, as I discovered during my first stroll through the Formula 1 paddock. From the floating motorhome of Red Bull, you have a view of the Monaco marina – a beautiful place to marvel at the principality. What immediately stands out? A McLaren Solus GT, parked on the helicopter pad of a superyacht. This way, all of Monaco can still enjoy this extreme vehicle, and the owner scores maximum points for luxury and opulence.
Amidst all the ‘see and be seen’, there’s also racing in Monaco. On the narrow street circuit, this happens on the edge – it’s all about showing courage and pushing the limits of the track. This also applies to yours truly, the reporter. When I take a walk around the circuit during the second free practice, the guardrail is the only thing separating me from twenty roaring Formula 1 cars. I peek through a gap and see Max Verstappen and his colleagues approaching at terrifying speeds. What an experience! That’s something the owner of that exclusive McLaren won’t experience this weekend. One-upmanship at its finest.
