McLaren marks its 1000th F1 grand prix in Monaco with a special livery

McLaren will line up for its 1000th Formula 1 grand prix at the Monaco Grand Prix, the same circuit where founder Bruce McLaren made the team’s debut in 1966, and has unveiled a special livery to mark the occasion. The bespoke design in metallic papaya orange and anthracite will carry the number 1000 on the MCL40’s sidepod and will also appear at the subsequent Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona-Catalunya.

The livery is layered with references to the team’s six decades in the sport. “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,” McLaren said in a statement. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will wear matching special race overalls that carry the same design language as the car.

On Thursday in Monaco, the team will display its first F1 car, the McLaren M2B, alongside the current MCL40. CEO Zak Brown, team principal Andrea Stella, Norris and Piastri will be joined by McLaren grand prix winners from across the team’s history for the occasion.

“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,” Brown said. “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.”

McLaren described the livery as carrying a broader message about the team’s identity through its highs and lows. “The livery symbolises the message that McLaren never quits,” the team said. “It highlights the stories and the work it took to get to the anniversary, championing moments where the team was not only successful, but also the challenges it faced and how it came out stronger.”