McLaren Unveils Special Monaco Livery To Celebrate 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix

McLaren will mark its 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix with a special livery at this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, celebrating one of the sport’s most successful histories at the circuit where the team made its debut in 1966.

The commemorative design on the MCL40 combines metallic papaya and anthracite, featuring references to major milestones from McLaren’s six decades in Formula 1. Visual elements recognize the team’s first Grand Prix, world championships, race victories, Triple Crown achievement, and record breaking pit stop performances.

McLaren becomes just the second Formula 1 team after Ferrari to reach the 1000 Grand Prix milestone.

Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the team’s history and the challenges it has overcome throughout its existence.

“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,” said Brown.

“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.

“Throughout our past, this team has always shown grit and determination, whether that be in periods of success or the trickier times. McLaren Never Quits, and this livery and the moment on Thursday is a special way to celebrate how far we’ve come. We look forward to running it out on track and recognising what we have achieved from our first race, here in Monaco back in 1966, through to now. Here’s to 1000 more.”

The phrase “McLaren Never Quits” forms a central theme of the anniversary design, highlighting both championship winning periods and more difficult chapters in the team’s history.

McLaren Chief Marketing Officer Lou McEwen said the milestone represented decades of perseverance across the organization.

“There were never any guarantees to get here and this new livery recognises the challenges, the resilience, and spirit that defines us as a team: McLaren Never Quits.”

The celebrations will continue on Thursday in Monaco when drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri join Brown, Team Principal Andrea Stella, and Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali for a special ceremony on the grid.

McLaren’s current MCL40 will be displayed alongside the M2B, the car driven by founder Bruce McLaren in the team’s Formula 1 debut at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix.

The team has also invited every living McLaren Formula 1 race winner to attend the anniversary celebrations.

McLaren had originally expected to reach the 1000 race mark at the Miami Grand Prix. Changes to the calendar following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix shifted the milestone to Monaco instead.

The anniversary livery will remain on the MCL40 for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona following this weekend’s Monaco event.

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Written by

Jawad Yaqub

An eCommerce Specialist by day and reporting on F1 by night. Jawad is passionate about motorsport, having provided accredited F1 coverage for more than a decade. Live blogging (almost) every grand prix too since 2014, as well as articles on the Supercars Championship. Also keen on sustainability, photography, collecting vinyl, (trying to) expertly barbeque and learning to Dad.

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