Rosberg’s Mercedes-liveried Aston Martin Valkyrie is up for sale

The Valkyrie was first seen in 2016 as the AM-RB 001 concept car, the ‘RB’ reflecting Aston Martin’s collaboration with Red Bull Racing. The project was codenamed ‘Nebula’, taking letters from Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin Lagonda. It would be 2021 before the first of 150 cars was produced, the long development period a consequence of how complicated a project it proved to be.

The front air intake borrows its shape from Aston Martins of the past, but thereafter the Valkyrie goes its own way. It looks like a racing car, with its small canopy and prominent wing. Most of its downforce, however, is generated by underfloor venturi tunnels and a large rear diffuser. Even the Aston Martin badge contributes to its aero performance: made from titanium, it’s just 40 microns thick. 

Beneath the carbon fibre sculpture you’ll find a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 Cosworth engine. It’s supplemented by a 162PS (120kW) electric motor inside the seven-speed sequential gearbox to create a total output of 1,176PS (864kW) at 11,000rpm. No wonder the occupants have headsets and an intercom. The stressed-member engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever fitted to a road car.

To save clutch wear, it’s the electric motor that gets the Valkyrie rolling to 10mph before the twelve cylinders join the party. There is no clutch pedal; no conventional instruments, either. Information is relayed to the driver via a series of screens.

This 2022 example was built to German specifications and was delivered new to Rosberg in Monaco. It’s finished in Magnetic Silver with number six decals to celebrate the Mercedes in which he won the 2016 F1 World Championship. If an Aston Martin in a Mercedes livery tempts you, it’s worth noting that it also comes with the original invoice made out to Rosberg. It also still has the original case for the steering wheel and keys, and a second set of seats for taller drivers.

It’s estimated to sell for between £2.4million and £2.6million.