Häkkinen climbs back into Senna's 1991 title-winning McLaren MP4/6 in Athens

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen returned to the cockpit at the Allwyn x McLaren Racing: Live in Athens event outside the Olympic Athletic Center (OAKA), driving Ayrton Senna’s iconic McLaren MP4/6 around a bespoke track layout.

The MP4/6 holds a special place in McLaren’s history. Powered by a Honda 3.5-litre V12 producing 725 horsepower at 13,500 rpm, it was the first McLaren to use a Honda V12 unit. Senna and Gerhard Berger campaigned the car throughout the 1991 season, with Senna claiming his third drivers’ championship and McLaren securing the constructors’ title.

Häkkinen spoke enthusiastically about the drive in the lead-up to the event. “We are going to have a show run here; you can see the car that I’m going to drive tomorrow. It’s going to be amazing. It has like 700 horsepower. It’s about 500 kilos. So it’s going to be a fantastic day.”

Alongside the heritage machinery, fans at the Athens event also had the opportunity to see the 2025 constructors’ championship-winning MCL39. Lando Norris secured his maiden F1 drivers’ title in that car, with Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri combining to win 14 of 24 rounds and deliver McLaren its 10th constructors’ championship.

McLaren chief marketing officer Louise McEwan framed the Athens event as part of a broader effort to bring the team closer to its global fanbase. “Our fans are at the heart of everything we do at McLaren Racing, and while not everyone can experience a grand prix weekend in person, we’re always looking for ways to bring the team closer to them,” she said. “We’re excited to partner with Allwyn to bring this unique event to Athens and connect with our passionate and growing fan community in Greece.”

Other former F1 drivers were also expected to attend, alongside a range of modern and heritage show cars and fan zone experiences.