Lando Norris will make a unique entrance at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, driving a customized 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. Instead of his usual McLaren, he’ll be behind the wheel of a Papaya Orange muscle car with a roaring 340-cubic-inch V-8 engine. The car, created through a collaboration between McLaren F1 and eBay, reflects a departure from his typical race cars, embracing the American muscle car culture in true Texas style.
Norris, who is currently second in the F1 championship standings and recently won the Singapore Grand Prix, is more familiar with modern supercars like McLarens, Lamborghinis, and Porsches. While he owns a Cobra, which is somewhat similar to the Barracuda, this car marks a new experience for him. Norris expressed excitement about trying something different from the sleek and high-performance vehicles he’s accustomed to, noting that the Barracuda is authentic to American culture.
The Barracuda was sourced and modified with parts from eBay Motors, following McLaren’s partnership with eBay earlier this year. The upgrades include a coil-over suspension, Wilwood disc brakes, Corbeau racing bucket seats, and a performance exhaust system, while still preserving its vintage feel with a classic steering wheel and retro American Racing wheels. This blend of modern performance and old-school muscle reflects the car’s unique place in Norris’s collection.
Norris describes the Barracuda as a mix of modern technology and classic design, giving him confidence in its performance while maintaining the vintage charm. The car’s balance between the past and present makes it the perfect vehicle for the Texas race, where the atmosphere is energetic and spirited. He noted that Austin is known for being one of the liveliest and most fun stops on the F1 calendar, making the Barracuda a fitting choice.
Fans attending the race will get a chance to see the Barracuda up close in the McLaren/eBay garage. They can even vote on future modifications to the car, adding to the interactive nature of this collaboration. Meanwhile, Norris might embrace the Texas vibe even further, imagining himself humming along to some classic country tunes as he gears up for the race.