Mark McCann Unleashes His McLaren P1: Track Day and Top Speed Quest on Unrestricted UK Roads
First Impressions and Silverstone Shakedown
McCann's initial reactions to the P1 were a mix of excitement and trepidation. The car's raw power and aggressive styling were immediately apparent, but he also noted some concerning noises from the engine. Before unleashing it on public roads, McCann decided to get acquainted with the P1 at Silverstone, the iconic British Formula 1 circuit.
At Silverstone, McCann quickly gained confidence in the P1's performance. Despite being a relative novice on the track, he praised the car's F1-inspired technology and handling. A track day revealed some of the risks: he noted a pit lane full of Porsche GT3s, which reminded him of a recent video of a Porsche crash involving expensive hypercars.
Undeterred, McCann set a challenge for himself: to beat the lap times of several notable cars around Silverstone's full Grand Prix circuit. He had three attempts, facing the additional challenge of navigating traffic during the track day.
Lap Time Challenge: P1 vs. the Competition
On his first run, McCann posted a respectable time, even though he was held up by traffic. For his second attempt, he discovered the P1's "IPAS" (Instant Power Assist System) button, which unleashes the full power of the hybrid system. This boost helped him improve his time and surpass a Mercedes C63.
Determined to push further, McCann activated the P1's full "Track Mode," which increases downforce, lowers the ride height, and stiffens the suspension. With everything dialed up to the maximum, he set out for his final attempt. Despite encountering more traffic, McCann managed to achieve his fastest lap time of the day. He fell short of beating a track-ready Porsche 911.
The Road to Unrestricted Speed
Having gained confidence at Silverstone, McCann turned his attention to his original goal: finding a road in the UK with no speed limits. He set off for Liverpool to catch a ferry to the Isle of Man, known for its unrestricted roads.
The journey to Liverpool highlighted the P1's impracticality for everyday driving. McCann complained about the uncomfortable ride and the car's impact on his back. A quick stop for a back support helped alleviate some of the discomfort.
The Road Ahead
The video ends with McCann about to board the ferry to the Isle of Man. The next chapter of his adventure promises to be even more thrilling, as he prepares to unleash the full potential of his McLaren P1 on roads with no speed limits.