The Formula 1–engined Mercedes-AMG One hypercar has held the production car lap record at the Nürburgring since it set a 6:35.183 lap time back in 2022, but now there’s a new record holder that is the first road car to lap the ’Ring in under six minutes and 30 seconds: The AMG One, again. Mercedes wasn’t content with the car’s performance a couple years ago, so DTM driver Maro Engel went back and beat his own record by more than five seconds with a time of 6:29.090.
Back in 2022, the track conditions weren’t ideal, as it was too chilly and some sections of the ’Ring were damp. That didn’t stop the One from beating the Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT2 RS by three and a half seconds, but still, there was obviously time left on the table. After months of testing and internet speculation that AMG was attempting to beat its own time, Engel set the new record in the evening on September 24. It was his final attempt of the day, when the track was totally dry, the ambient temperature was 59 degrees Fahrenheit and the track surface was 68 degrees.
The tires used were the same Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MOs that come on every One, which are just about as close as you can get to racing slicks for the street. Mercedes made sure the One was perfectly set up, with the maximum amount of allowable camber, and Engel had to make strategic use of the One’s complex turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 hybrid powertrain and aerodynamic systems:
Like Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on Formula 1™ race weekends, Maro Engel also had to make the best possible use of the hybrid drive’s electric energy. This is particularly challenging, especially with a track length of more than 12 miles. Therefore, it is immensely important to use the right sections of the track for recuperation during braking phases.
To accomplish this, Maro Engel utilized the AMG ONE’s four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system and in some cases deliberately took his foot off the accelerator a little earlier than he normally would (also known as “lift and coast”). Preliminary tests in the driving simulator in Affalterbach and on the Nordschleife itself provided the necessary insights, which the team and driver were able to optimally implement for the record lap.
Maro Engel selected the “Race Plus” drive program. This results in active, maximum possible aerodynamics, tight chassis tuning, vehicle lowering by 1.5 inches (37 mm) at the front axle and 1.2 inches (30 mm) at the rear axle and, of course, full power from all motors. The Drag Reduction System (DRS) is activated by the driver by pressing a button on the steering wheel. This retracts the louvers on the front fenders as well as the upper aero element of the two-stage rear wing.
This system reduces drag, which ensures higher speeds on the fast sections of the track. In twisty sections, the aero elements extend again at lightning speed, which provides even more downforce. Maro Engel also found further potential in the operation of the DRS system compared to his first record drive, in order to realize the capabilities of the AMG hypercar even more perfectly.
It’s one thing to read about the lap, but it’s another to actually watch it happen. Engel attacks corners with ferocity in the One, and it’s awesome to see the active aero flaps on the front fenders opening and closing. He reaches a speed of just over 201 mph on the main straight — the One will do a max of 219 in its low-drag configuration — but it’s the cornering speeds that are the most impressive.
In addition to video of the lap itself, Mercedes put out a great behind-the-scenes video surrounding the record attempt. Engel talks about recent changes to the track that were not in AMG’s favor, how the team collected data ahead of the attempt, and his pre-lap rituals. The video also shows the team prepping the car, has an interview with AMG’s CEO and other fun bits. It’s worth the watch:
