The Weight of the Papaya: our McLaren Le Mans exclusive continues

Welcome back to the Rev Report.

Le Mans is two weeks away. This feels like the right moment to publish Part Two of Papaya Rising.

Last week we sat with Mikkel Jensen, the man in the cockpit. This week we sat with James Barclay, the man running the whole programme. What he said about pressure, about the thirty year absence, and about keeping a team of human beings sharp at 3am during a 24-hour race, stayed with me long after the conversation ended.

Elsewhere this week: Ferrari unveiled its first electric car in Rome. It has 1,035 horsepower, an interior designed partly by Jony Ive, and it weighs as much as a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Kimi Antonelli won the Canadian Grand Prix after a groundhog destroyed Alex Albon's car in practice. And Mercedes built a 1,153 horsepower electric AMG and then played fake V8 sounds through the speakers, which is either inspired or deeply confused depending on your perspective.

Jack

James Barclay is the Team Principal of McLaren United Autosports and Executive Director of McLaren Endurance Racing. He is the man tasked with bringing McLaren back to Le Mans after a thirty-year absence, in what is arguably the most competitive Hypercar era the sport has ever seen. We sat with him in Monaco, where the MCL-HY had drawn a crowd of its own.

On what bringing McLaren back to Le Mans actually feels like: "A massive honour. McLaren has an incredible history in Formula 1, but beginning with Bruce it was also synonymous with Can-Am. And incredibly, we came in 1995 and won. So it's part of our DNA."

On pressure: "As soon as you wear McLaren, there is, of course, pressure. But pressure is a privilege. Pressure makes diamonds, all the analogies. That's a positive thing. In our sport, pressure is part of it. We're racers and we want to compete against the best."

On keeping a team of humans functioning through the night of a 24-hour race, he gave what is possibly the most honest answer we have heard from anyone in motorsport management. You will want to read it in full.

Le Mans is in two weeks. The papaya is ready.

The Ferrari Luce was revealed in Rome on 25 May. Four electric motors, one at each wheel. 1,035 horsepower. A 122kWh battery. Zero to 62mph in under two seconds. Rear-hinged doors. An interior designed partly by Jony Ive, the man who gave the world the iPhone. A starting price of €550,000. And a kerb weight of 2,260 kilograms, which is the same as a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Ferrari would like to talk about the performance figures. RevMag would like to talk about all of it, because this is either the most significant Ferrari in fifty years or the beginning of something entirely new. Possibly both.

During practice at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a groundhog ran across the track and directly into the front of Alex Albon's Williams. This sent Albon into the barrier, destroyed the car, and began what became one of the most brutal weekends of his Formula One career. The groundhog was reportedly unhurt and has not been available for comment. The actual race was won by Kimi Antonelli, his fourth victory of the season, after Mercedes teammate George Russell retired from the lead on lap 30 with a power unit failure. Lewis Hamilton second for Ferrari. Verstappen third. The championship lead is now 43 points.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door is electric. It makes 1,153 horsepower and reaches 60mph in two seconds. It also plays fake V8 sounds through the speakers, complete with simulated gear changes. Mercedes-AMG has spent decades building its identity on the sound of a real V8 doing what real V8s do. The decision not to find a new sonic identity, but instead to play a recording of the old one, is something RevMag has thoughts about. So does writer Abigail Kent, who has written what is our most honest take on the electric performance car question yet.

Sunset Monaco is back for its 13th edition during Grand Prix weekend, and this year is its most ambitious yet. Honey Dijon, Seth Troxler, and Carlita on the lineup. A pop-up restaurant from Mirazur chef Mauro Colagreco, three Michelin stars, one of the best restaurants in the world. A new beach club. A Fred Allard art exhibition. If you are in Monaco this Grand Prix weekend, this is where you need to be.

With Le Mans two weeks away and papaya very much on the mind, this feels like the right moment to point you toward the McLaren Artura Spider. A twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid producing 700 horsepower, a folding hardtop, and McLaren's most accessible route into the brand. Not cheap. Nothing worth having ever is. Available now from McLaren dealers including the Monaco showroom.

Explore the Artura Spider (not affiliated, just a genuine recommendation)

That is issue three. Papaya Rising concludes next week with Part Three. We sit down with Neil Underwood, the man who heads McLaren's entire Hypercar programme, as Le Mans week approaches. RevMag will have full coverage from the build-up to the chequered flag. Do not miss it.

— Jack Brodie

Editor-in-chief, RevMag