Key Highlights
- Formula 1 champion Lando Norris has returned his rare Ferrari F40 to public roads in London following a January 2025 crash in Monaco that left the supercar damaged.
- The F40, one of only 1,311 produced between 1987 and 1992, was being driven by a friend when it lost traction and struck guardrails while Norris was away.
- Norris’s sighting comes after a third-place finish at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madring, while seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has also recently acquired an F40.
Norris’s Ferrari F40 Returns to London Streets After Monaco Crash Repair
McLaren Formula 1 driver and 2025 world champion Lando Norris has been filmed driving his Ferrari F40 through London, marking the supercar’s first public appearance since a high-profile accident in Monaco earlier this year. The sighting follows Norris’s podium finish at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix held at the new Madring circuit, where he secured third place. Footage circulating on social media shows the British driver behind the wheel of the iconic red supercar, confirming that extensive repairs have been completed since the January incident.
Details of the January 2025 Monaco Accident
The Ferrari F40 was involved in a crash on roads outside Monaco in January 2025 while Norris was traveling. According to reports, a friend was driving the vehicle when it lost traction exiting a left-hand corner and made contact with guardrails. The incident drew significant attention given the car’s rarity and historical significance. Norris addressed the situation shortly after it occurred, telling The Sun: “No [it is not back to normal]. It was when I was away. I wasn’t happy at all,” Norris told The Sun at the time. The 2025 champion took delivery of the F40 during the fourth quarter of 2024, adding it to a collection that already included multiple McLaren hypercars, a Porsche Carrera GT, and a Lamborghini Miura P400.
Engineering Icon: The Ferrari F40 Legacy
The crashed vehicle represents a significant piece of automotive history. Produced between 1987 and 1992, only 1,311 examples of the F40 were ever built. It holds the distinction of being the last road car personally overseen by Enzo Ferrari before his death in 1988, and it was the first street-legal production car to break the 200 mph barrier. The model’s twin-turbocharged V8 engine, lightweight composite construction, and raw driving dynamics have cemented its status as one of the most collectible supercars ever made, with values regularly exceeding several million dollars at auction.
Fan Reaction and the Hamilton Connection
Social media reaction to the London sighting was immediate and enthusiastic. On Instagram, one follower commented: “Good to see this car on the road again, after one of his friends crashed it some time ago,” while another praised: “Unbelievable taste in cars.” A third user drew a parallel to Norris’s Mercedes-powered rival, writing: “Are Lando and Lewis car sharing? Velcro on the back of the number plates?” The remark references Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion who recently joined Scuderia Ferrari. Hamilton unveiled his own newly acquired Ferrari F40 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, having previously sold his entire private car collection. The coincidence of both British F1 champions owning the same ultra-rare model has fueled discussion among motorsport and automotive enthusiasts alike.
Why This Matters
The return of Norris’s F40 to the road underscores the deep intersection between Formula 1 drivers and high-end automotive collecting. As brand ambassadors with substantial incomes and technical appreciation for engineering excellence, drivers like Norris and Hamilton serve as highly visible custodians of automotive heritage. The F40’s status as the final Enzo Ferrari–approved road car makes its preservation and active use particularly significant for marque historians and collectors. Furthermore, the Monaco crash and subsequent restoration highlight the specialized expertise required to repair carbon-fiber and Kevlar bodywork on a vehicle where original panels are irreplaceable. With both Norris and Hamilton now piloting F40s, the model’s cultural relevance within the F1 paddock has been reinforced, potentially influencing market values and collector interest in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where did Lando Norris’s Ferrari F40 crash?
- The crash occurred in January 2025 on public roads outside Monaco. A friend of Norris was driving when the car lost traction exiting a left-hand corner and struck guardrails. Norris was away at the time.
- How many Ferrari F40s were produced, and why is the model significant?
- Only 1,311 Ferrari F40s were built between 1987 and 1992. It was the last road car personally overseen by Enzo Ferrari and the first street-legal production car to exceed 200 mph, making it a landmark in automotive history.
- Does Lewis Hamilton also own a Ferrari F40?
- Yes. Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who now drives for Scuderia Ferrari, recently acquired a Ferrari F40 after selling his previous car collection. He unveiled the purchase ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
