(Motorsport-Total.com) – McLaren celebrates a special milestone this weekend in Monaco and will race with a special livery on the occasion of its 1,000th Formula 1 Grand Prix, which will be used in Monte Carlo and at the following race in Barcelona a week later.
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The car will shine in metallic papaya orange, complemented by anthracite. The entire car features references to the rich team history, with hidden details honoring important milestones – from the first race to victories and world championships to the world record pit stop.
According to the team, the livery symbolizes the message: “McLaren Never Quits.” As the team approaches the milestone of its 1,000th Grand Prix, it highlights the stories and work needed to reach this anniversary.
Not only are the moments when the team was successful celebrated, but also the challenges it had to face and from which it emerged stronger.
“Being on the grid in Monaco this year to contest McLaren’s 1,000th Grand Prix offers the perfect opportunity to honor our rich motorsport history,” says McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
“We are only the second team to reach this incredible milestone – so what better moment to reflect on our past, present, and future?”
“Throughout our history, this team has always shown courage and determination, whether in successful times or in more difficult phases. McLaren Never Quits – and this livery as well as the moment on Thursday are a special way to celebrate how far we have come.”
On the Thursday before Monaco, the team’s very first Formula 1 car, the M2B, will line up next to the car for the 1,000th GP, the MCL40. Zak Brown, team principal Andrea Stella, and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be accompanied at this special moment by McLaren winners from throughout the team’s history.
All living Grand Prix winners as well as Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali have been invited.
Drivers look forward to the anniversary
“It is a very special weekend for us as we celebrate such an incredible milestone,” says world champion Lando Norris. “The livery looks fantastic, and where better to celebrate it than at one of the most iconic races on the calendar and the site of the team’s very first Grand Prix?”
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“Having contributed my small part to McLaren’s incredible history makes me very proud. McLaren is a team I looked up to as a child, and it is an honor to represent the men and women who make up this team at its 1,000th GP,” says the Brit.
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“I am looking forward to hitting the track with this very special livery,” says teammate Oscar Piastri. “1,000 Grands Prix is a tremendous achievement for the team, and it is a privilege to represent McLaren on this occasion out there.”
“The car looks absolutely brilliant, and it feels fitting that this celebration takes place exactly where the team contested its first World Championship race 60 years ago.”
“We will do everything we can to push hard, aiming to bring home a few trophies this weekend to honor this moment. Here’s to 1,000 – I look forward to starting many more races for McLaren,” says the Australian.
It all started in Monaco
When McLaren really celebrates its 1,000th start is, as usual, a matter of debate. The statistics currently show 998 starts, which would make Barcelona McLaren’s 1,000th race – where the livery will also fittingly be used.
In Monaco, however, the team returns to the place where it made its very first Formula 1 start: In 1966, team founder Bruce McLaren drove the M2B there for the first time – the first car of his own team.
Since then, the team has won 203 Grands Prix, achieved 561 podiums, secured 177 pole positions, and claimed 13 drivers’ and ten constructors’ world championships.
Ferrari was the first team to break the 1,000-race mark in 2020 and celebrated this milestone in Mugello with a special livery as well. Williams is expected to reach the four-digit mark in 2032.
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