Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is renowned not only for his racing prowess but also for his passion for exotic supercars. Among his illustrious collection, the Pagani Zonda 760 holds a unique spot—one that’s as divisive as it is glamorous.
The Infamous Pagani Zonda 760
The Pagani Zonda, a name synonymous with exotic automotive luxury, has been a staple of high-performance engineering since the early 2000s. Over two decades, Pagani has refined its iconic model through various iterations, producing only 140 units in total, making it a coveted prize for collectors worldwide.
However, despite its allure, Hamilton once controversially described his custom-built Pagani Zonda 760 as a “terrible car to drive.” This remark sent shockwaves through the supercar community, especially considering the Zonda 760’s legendary reputation. Powered by a 7.3-liter M120 engine, the Zonda 760 is widely regarded as one of the most powerful road-legal machines ever created.
Hamilton, who racked up over 17,000 miles in his Zonda, eventually sold the car for an eye-watering $10.8 million. Now, the very same vehicle is poised to return to the spotlight, with RM Sotheby’s estimating it will fetch over $12 million at auction.
Hamilton’s Transition and Praise for Verstappen
As Hamilton prepares to close his chapter with Mercedes following the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he’s set his sights on new challenges with Ferrari. Yet, even amid his own career shifts, Hamilton has taken time to commend the achievements of his rival, Max Verstappen.
After Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton heaped praise on the Red Bull ace.
“Yeah, really happy for him. He’s done a fantastic job. He’s not made any mistakes and he’s delivered every time and every point he’s supposed to. Him and his team have done the best job, again, fourth year in a row. And it definitely got exciting at one point.”
Verstappen’s triumph is all the more impressive given Red Bull’s struggles with the RB20 this season. Despite not always having the fastest car, the 27-year-old delivered crucial results, securing his place as one of the sport’s greats. His consistency and skill have drawn comparisons to Hamilton himself, especially after Verstappen equaled Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull record of four consecutive titles from 2010 to 2013.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While Verstappen basks in the glory of his latest championship, Hamilton is preparing for a fresh start with Ferrari in 2025. After years of dominance with Mercedes, the Brit is eager to reinvigorate his title ambitions with the iconic Maranello team.
The battle lines are already being drawn for 2025. With Verstappen showing no signs of slowing down and Hamilton rejuvenated by a new challenge, the stage is set for an electrifying season. As both drivers continue to push the limits of Formula 1, fans can expect the rivalry to reach new heights.
From Zondas to Championships
Hamilton’s complicated history with the Pagani Zonda 760 reflects a broader theme in his career: relentless pursuit of perfection. Whether it’s his cars or his craft, Hamilton’s standards remain unmatched. As he turns the page to a new chapter with Ferrari, the world will watch to see if the seven-time champion can reclaim his throne—and perhaps redefine his legacy once again.
