Monaco Grand Prix – the thousandth stage in McLaren's history
At the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, the McLaren team will celebrate a milestone – their thousandth race in Formula 1. In terms of races held, the Woking-based team is second only to Ferrari. In honor of this event, the MCL40 car will be painted in a special livery in Monaco and Barcelona, where the signature papaya color is combined with anthracite elements.
The design of the livery contains many references to McLaren's history – from the first race, victories, and championship titles to the "Triple Crown" and record-breaking pit stops. The drivers' suits will also receive a special livery, designed in the same style as the car.
As part of the celebration of the thousandth Grand Prix, an event dedicated to the team's anniversary will take place on June 4 on the starting grid of the Monaco circuit. A historic M2B, owned by Richard Mille, will be displayed next to the MCL40.
The ceremony will feature team CEO Zak Brown, team principal Andrea Stella, drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as drivers who brought victories to McLaren in Formula 1. Invitations have been sent to all living race winners from the team, as well as to Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Zak Brown: "Being on the starting grid of the Monaco Grand Prix for McLaren's thousandth race in Formula 1 is the perfect moment to celebrate the team's rich history in motorsport. We are only the second team to reach this incredible milestone, and it’s the best reason to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and think about the future.
Throughout our history, the team has always shown character and determination not only in successful periods but also in more challenging times. McLaren never gives up, and this livery, along with the planned event on Thursday, is a way to highlight the journey we have taken.
We look forward to the opportunity to take the car to the track and celebrate everything we have achieved since our first race in Monaco in 1966, up to today. We have another thousand Grand Prix ahead of us."
Lando Norris: "The team is in for a special weekend as we celebrate a truly incredible achievement. The livery looks amazing, and there’s no better place to celebrate such a milestone than one of the most iconic tracks on the calendar, where the team held its first Grand Prix.
I am very proud to have made even a small contribution to such a rich history of McLaren. As a child, I looked up to McLaren with admiration, and it is a great honor for me to represent the people who make up this team today at its thousandth Grand Prix."
Oscar Piastri: "I am looking forward to hitting the track in this special livery. The thousandth Grand Prix is a huge achievement for the team, and it is a great honor for me to represent McLaren at such a moment.
The car looks fantastic, and it is symbolic that the celebration takes place on the very track where the team first entered the World Championship 60 years ago.
We will do everything we can to have a strong weekend and, if possible, bring home the trophy in honor of this event. Here’s to a thousand Grand Prix! I look forward to racing many more for McLaren."
Other articles
Monaco Grand Prix – the thousandth stage in McLaren's history
At the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, the McLaren team will celebrate a milestone – their thousandth race in Formula 1.
