The 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans took place just last week (click here for photographic highlights). For many the event, while usually exciting, lacked real drama thanks to just one factory outfit competing in the top-flight LMP1 class. Toyota’s overall win was almost a foregone conclusion, though no fault of their own. This weekend is the resumption of the 2020 Formula One championship in Russia. But what if manufacturers could compete in both series with the same car… enter the LMF1.

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Flight of fancy

The LMF1 is a flight of fancy by designer Robin Mazánek. You can check out Mazánek’s work on his Instagram account, or on his Behance page. The Czech designer had some time on his hands at the start of (European) spring while under quarantine. A self-confessed F1 fan, Mazanek wanted to imagine a racecar with no limits.

Mazanek: My main idea is combine together LMP1 prototypes, as we see competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, and a Formula 1 car. I took inspiration from cars such as the older Porsche 917 and newer options such as the Porsche 919. I took cues from Formula 1 cars from the 1970s and modern F1 aero details as seen on newer F1 machines. I have maintained the open-wheel concept of F1 but there is a closed cockpit for the pilot. Check out these futuristic Porsche Le Mans racers.

LMF1 profile

LMF1 has been aerodynamically tuned for low air resistance and maximum top speed. Its external dimensions are kept to an absolute minimum to allow close racing and better wheel-to-wheel action. All the aero addenda are in place, wings bargeboards, etc to generate downforce and help to cool the engine. Speaking of which Mazanek’s creation maintains the same powertrain as a current F1 car. However, he envisions using the 1,6-litre turbocharged engine to charge batteries that are used to power the wheels. It is a generator for the battery pack. What do you think of the LMF1? Let us know on our Facebook page.