A racing car fanatic drove an iconic F1 vehicle past astonished locals.

Frederic Laneshoa took his red single-seater vehicle through the nearby neighbourhood in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France.

Point-of-view footage shows the car enthusiast turning the wheel and revving the engine as he manoeuvres through the motorway with stunned residents watching him pass by on November 19.

Frederic said that he purchased the neglected 1980s F1 car from a friend and refurbished the vehicle.

The car was said to be in terrible condition, covered in thick dust and patches of mould after years of abandonment. With meticulous care, he completely overhauled it, restoring the car to look and run like new.

Formula 1 cars rank among the fastest and most technologically advanced racing vehicles worldwide. The sport began in the early 1950s and has since grown into a global spectacle celebrated for its cutting-edge engineering and fierce competition.

The cars can reach speeds beyond 220 mph (approximately 354 km/h) and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2 to 3 seconds.