When ice and snow cover the track, the familiar rules for driving sports cars no longer apply. This time, two rear-wheel drive cars with mid-engine layouts — the McLaren GTS and the Ferrari 296 GTS — found themselves in conditions where every extra turn of the steering wheel could lead to a loss of control. The winter test in Livigno immediately showed: even experienced drivers face challenges when power meets minimal grip.
Both cars were prepped for extreme conditions: the McLaren was fitted with Pirelli P Zero Winter tires, while the Ferrari had its signature Michelins. Yet even with this preparation, the Ferrari’s 680 horsepower and the McLaren’s 635 turned every acceleration into a risk. Drivers had to continuously search for the balance between throttle and steering to avoid ending up in a snowbank. Recent debates came to mind—just how crucial is the driver’s role in modern racing, especially as seen in discussions around changes in Formula 1, where many believe that technology increasingly matters more than the person.
Technology and emotions
The Ferrari 296 GTS is more than just a sports car; it’s a hybrid with an electric motor adding 167 horsepower to its primary V6. That results in nearly 830 newton-meters of torque. But on snow, these numbers lose meaning: the electronics have to constantly intervene to prevent the rear axle from breaking loose. In Sport mode, the Ferrari becomes too twitchy; in Wet mode, overly cautious. Only after deactivating some of the stability systems does one begin to really feel the car, but even then, every press of the accelerator demands maximum focus.
The McLaren GTS, on the other hand, relies on a classic twin-turbocharged V8. There’s no hybrid technology here, but its slightly lower weight and redesigned carbon fiber roof help bring down the center of gravity. The British sports car allows you to switch off ESP even in comfort mode, giving more freedom—but also more responsibility. On the winter track, the McLaren proved a bit more predictable, although even here, 635 horsepower is a real test for any driver.
На грани возможностей
The first run made one thing clear: the Ferrari demands not only quick reflexes, but patience from the driver. Out of ten laps, only three were completed without a spin. The car is clearly made for asphalt, not ice. The V6 roar behind your back adds excitement, but doesn’t make things easier. The McLaren proved a bit more forgiving: its soft suspension and grippy tires helped keep slides under better control, though here too, every maneuver is a struggle for traction.
The technical team from Woking kept a close eye on every move, analyzing the car’s behavior on each section of the track. The Italian sports car required precise work with the steering and pedals, while the British one allowed a little more leeway—but didn’t forgive mistakes. In the end, both cars proved that on snow, power isn’t everything; what matters most is the driver’s skill in feeling the car and quickly reacting to changes in surface.
Color and character
The bright orange McLaren and the blue Ferrari not only drew attention but also became symbols of two different approaches to pushing the limits behind the wheel. Both sports cars demonstrated that driving can still be enjoyable even in the most challenging conditions, as long as you use common sense. The winter trials revealed unexpected sides to these machines: Ferrari proved demanding and temperamental, while McLaren was slightly more accommodating, but just as spirited.
In the end, despite fatigue and tension, both cars left a lasting impression. Each lap turned into its own adventure, where not only the technique but also the driver’s personality mattered. Such an experience changes your perspective on supercars and makes you see the potential of modern machines in a new light.
McLaren is a British sports car manufacturer known for its innovation and attention to detail. The company is based in Woking and has been involved in motorsport, including Formula 1, since the 1960s. McLaren models are distinguished by their lightness, high power, and unique approach to aerodynamics. In recent years, the brand has actively implemented new technologies while retaining the classic features of sports cars.
