What do F1 stars drive on the road?

We all know what cars the latest F1 stars race with on track, but what cars do them drive off track? It's something that has always intrigued me and this post, provided by comparethemarket.com, details just that.

(c) F1 Fanatic

What do F1 stars drive on the road?
Have you ever wondered what cars the F1 stars are driving in their own time? Here’s a few of our favourites:
Fernando Alonso

Ferrari 458

You’ll be able to catch Fernando in Ferrari’s current supercar of choice – the 458. There definitely are perks to driving for the Ferrari team! The 458 is the successor to the 430 and uses a lot of technology that Ferrari developed in F1, which really shows in the sleek design which is generally regarded as the first classic Ferrari in a fair while. It’s powered by a 4.5L V8 unit developing over 550BHP at 9,000 rpm and the engine is mid-mounted for superior balance and handling.

He also has a little Fiat 500 Abarth to shoot around the city in and also remain under the radar. This nippy car will only set you back around £15,000 and with reasonable insurance prices is a great choice for those looking for a car that provides speed and style at a budget. Use a website like comparethemarket when looking for the best quote though, even on a small car like this.

Mark Webber

Porsche 911 GT2

Mark follows a string of F1 drivers by taking already premium sports cars and driving special editions of them. Mark’s 911 is the GT2 variant – one of the fastest cars that Porsche makes and it’s been stripped out to save weight and given a tune up to create the perfect balance that Porsche is known for. Featuring a twin turbo charged 3.6-litre six cylinder engine you can expect over 530BHP, which is a lot given the modest curb weight of under 1,300kg.

Sebastian Vettel

Mercedes SL65AMG Black Series

Seb loves his German cars and this Mercedes is no exception as it’s one of the brands most exclusive models coming under the elite Black Series labelling. Mercedes reserve this badge for their tuned up and exclusive versions of already powerful cars. The SL65 reaches 60mph in 3.8 seconds and puts out a whopping 670BHP at 5400 rpm from its V12 engine. It looks menacing and fierce with its flared wheel arches, low stance and huge wheels. Although not the best handling car it certainly looks impressive.

Felipe Massa
 
Maserati Quattroporte 

Felipe drives this classic Maserati as a compromise of power with practicality during his time off the track. With a reputation of generally being a businessman’s shuttle the Quattroporte looks beautiful and has all the creature comforts that an F1 driver would expect. Powered by a 4.7 litre V8 this grand tourer will be comfortable yet quick making the miles between races seem only minutes away.

Jenson Button

Mercedes C63 AMG DR520
 

Jenson’s been given this limited edition fast estate car of which only 20 have been made. It features a special trim and has been lowered, stiffened and tuned in the name of performance. The result is over 500BHP from its 6.2-litre V8 engine that can reach an impressive 190mph.

Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes GL450

Sensible Lewis opts for a more comfortable day-to-day car in the form of this Mercedes G Class. The comfort and space of this wagon allows Lewis to relax and remain inconspicuous when he needs to be. When someone is in the public eye so heavily it must be a welcome relief to travel around without having glazed eyes constantly glued to your actions. This car seems a strange choice at first, but the more you think about, the more it actually makes sense.

Pagani Zonda 760RS

Don’t start thinking that Lewis is completely sensible though. He’s ordered a powerful Zonda at the end of its run, before the Huayra hits full production. The Zonda 760RS features a 7.3-litre AMG V12 engine, and in typical flamboyant Lewis style – he’s asked for the RS to be replaced with LH. It’s probably one of the best looking cars ever made, and about as near as you’ll get to a road legal F1 car.