A Historic Milestone at a Legendary Venue

The McLaren Formula 1 team is preparing for a significant landmark in its racing history. This weekend, the iconic Monaco Grand Prix will serve as the venue for the team's 1,000th F1 start. Notably, this is the same circuit where the team made its debut in 1966 under the guidance of founder Bruce McLaren.


Commemorative Livery and Design Details

To honor this achievement, McLaren is introducing a bespoke paint scheme for its MCL40 cars. The livery features a striking combination of metallic papaya orange and anthracite. Additionally, the number 1,000 will be prominently displayed on the sidepods. This special design will be carried over to the following round at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit.


The team provided insights into the design process, stating:

«Across the livery there are nods to our rich history with hidden gems recognising important milestones, from our first race, victories and championship wins to the triple crown and our world record pit stop. Both drivers will also wear special overalls, carrying on the design language from the car.»

According to the team, the livery serves as a testament to their persistence. It encapsulates the journey toward this 1,000th race, highlighting not just the championship triumphs, but also the obstacles the organization has overcome to grow stronger.


Reflecting on a Legacy

In preparation for the festivities, the team plans to showcase its original 1966 car, the McLaren M2B, alongside the current contender. The event will feature team leadership, including CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella, alongside drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who will be joined by various historic race winners for the team.


Commenting on the significance of the event, Zak Brown remarked:

«Lining up on the grid to race McLaren’s 1000th grand prix in Monaco this year provides a perfect opportunity to recognise our rich history in motorsport. We’re only the second team to reach this incredible milestone, so what better moment to reflect on our past, our present and our future.»