F1 announces ‘Hot Laps’ fan engagement program

Mario Isola

Formula 1 has created a new 'Hot Laps' fan engagement program in conjunction with official tire supplier Pirelli.

For at least 10 events in the year, beginning at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the new program will give the fans attending a race weekend the opportunity through special competitions and promotions the opportunity to be driven around the race track in a supercar by a professional race driver.

Sean Bratches, managing director of commercial operations at Formula 1 said: "The Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps program represents a new opportunity to allow F1 fans to get closer to a real track experience. The once in a lifetime experience of being driven at speed by a racing driver at iconic race circuits in dream cars is truly unique.

"We are seeking to be fan first and this is yet another example of our efforts to that end. This also is a demonstration of our capabilities to provide more value to valued partners like Pirelli and the F1 teams."

Aston Martin and McLaren are the first two manufacturers join the program, with other manufacturers set to be announced in the coming weeks. McLaren is set to the use the utilizing the 720S while Aston Martin will be bringing along their brand new V8 Vantage.

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen will be participating for Aston Martin, McLaren will have on-hand reserve driver Lando Norris, race drivers Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne and even two-time World Champion and McLaren ambassador Mika Hakkinen.

Pirelli's sport director, Mario Isola added: "Pirelli is proud and delighted to be the exclusive partner of the F1 Hot Laps 2018 program, the first ongoing experience designed specifically for fans to sample the speed and emotion of on the limit driving from the inside, on actual circuits used during each grand prix weekend.