Mad Mike Is Building the World's First Formula One Drift Car

Photos Courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool

Global drifting icon Mad Mike Whiddett has revealed his most ambitious project to date: transforming a former Formula One chassis into a rotary-powered drift car.

The New Zealand drifter, known for creating some of the world's most outrageous custom builds, announced plans to convert a 1986 March 87P chassis into what he believes will be the world's first Formula One drift car. The project, dubbed FORMIDABUL, will be documented through a six-part YouTube series following the build from concept to completion.

Whiddett has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of drifting with machines like the 1,200-horsepower RADBUL Mazda MX-5, the Lamborghini Huracán-based NIMBUL drift car, and most recently the rotary-powered MADMAC McLaren P1. However, he says the Formula One project represents the biggest challenge he and his team have ever undertaken.

“It is quite scary actually. We are building by far the most insane project Toni and I have ever tackled,” Whiddett said alongside Mad Mike Motorsport manager and partner Toni Cook.

The build is taking place at MADLAB, Whiddett's workshop at Hampton Downs in New Zealand, where fabrication and engineering work is already underway. The project team includes engine builder Alec Bell and fabricator and engineer Brendon Thomas.

Originally developed as a Formula 3000 car before being adapted for Formula One competition, the March chassis competed during the 1987 Formula One season under the Leyton House banner. Powered by a Ford Cosworth DFZ V8 and driven by Ivan Capelli, the car earned a best finish of sixth place at the Monaco Grand Prix and became known for its distinctive teal livery.

Converting the chassis into a drift car presents a unique set of engineering challenges. The team plans to integrate a rotary engine into the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, a configuration Whiddett says has never been attempted in a Formula One car. Additional hurdles include adapting the original H-pattern transmission and modifying the compact cockpit and chassis layout for drifting.

A lifelong fan of 1980s and 1990s Formula One, World Rally Championship, and motocross competition, Whiddett says the era's engineering innovation and fearless driving style inspired the project.

“The part I'm looking forward to most with this project is the inspiration I hope rubs off on anyone who sees it and learns my story,” Whiddett said. “Growing up with my solo mum on a very limited budget, I spent my time building, breaking and learning to modify old radio-controlled cars, and I never let anything stand in the way of chasing my dreams full throttle. That journey has now led me to engineering my dream Formula One car to showcase and entertain the world. If I can do it, so can you.”

The six-episode series will document every stage of the build, including the chassis teardown, rotary engine development, engine management, cooling systems, fabrication work, steering and chassis development, testing, and the final reveal.

Follow the FORMIDABUL build series on Mad Mike's YouTube channel at youtube.com/@madmike.123.

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