McLaren reveals special livery to mark historic 1000th grand prix at Monaco

A milestone six decades in the making

McLaren will take to the streets of Monaco this weekend carrying a bespoke livery to celebrate one of the most significant milestones in Formula 1 history: the team's 1000th world championship grand prix. The occasion could hardly be more fitting — Monaco is the very same venue where McLaren made its F1 debut in 1966 under the guidance of founder Bruce McLaren.

The commemorative design features a metallic papaya orange and anthracite colour scheme, with the number 1000 prominently displayed on the sidepods of the MCL40. The livery will also be carried at the subsequent Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, extending the celebration across two rounds of the European leg of the season.

Hidden gems and a message that endures

Far from being a superficial cosmetic exercise, McLaren has woven the team's entire heritage into the design. "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," the team said in a statement.

Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will also wear special race overalls that carry the same design language as the car — a rare instance of car and driver presentation being unified around a single, purposeful narrative.

The message McLaren has chosen to anchor the livery is as much about resilience as it is about glory. "The livery symbolises the message that McLaren never quits," the team stated. "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."

Thursday celebrations on the streets of Monaco

On Thursday, the team will stage a display pairing its very first F1 car — the McLaren M2B — alongside its current 2025 challenger, the MCL40. CEO Zak Brown, team principal Andrea Stella, and drivers Norris and Piastri will be joined by McLaren grand prix winners from across the team's history, making it one of the most significant gatherings in the team's recent memory. With Andrea Stella firmly focused on the team's present and future, this celebration also underscores the stability and ambition that define McLaren today.

For Brown, the symbolism of the occasion is unmistakable. "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," he 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 arrives at Monaco as one of only two teams in Formula 1 history to have reached 1000 grands prix — a statistic that, on its own, speaks volumes about the team's longevity, resilience, and enduring place at the pinnacle of the sport.