McLaren have pulled back the curtain on a breathtaking special livery ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, a race that marks a monumental milestone: the team’s 1000th Formula 1 start. The timing couldn’t be more poetic. It was on these very streets of Monte Carlo in 1966 that founder Bruce McLaren first steered the team’s M2B onto an F1 grid, beginning a legacy that has since produced over two centuries of victories.
The commemorative MCL40, draped in what McLaren describes as “metallic papaya” and “anthracite,” is a refined evolution of the team’s iconic orange identity. A bold “1000” is emblazoned on the sidepods, while hidden across the livery are subtle nods to landmark moments, from the team’s first win, to its 13 drivers’ championships, the legendary Triple Crown, and even its world record 1.80 second pit stop at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will also suit up in matching special edition race overalls for the occasion.
“McLaren Never Quits and this livery is a special way to celebrate how far we’ve come.” -Zak Brown, CEO
The livery will not be a Monaco only affair. McLaren confirmed it will carry the design through to the Spanish Grand Prix on June 14 in Barcelona, giving fans two chances to see the milestone machine in action. Reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, fans on Reddit and Instagram flooded McLaren’s post with praise, many calling it one of the finest special liveries in recent F1 history, with particular admiration for the metallic sheen of the papaya finish under Monaco’s sun.
The celebratory atmosphere will peak on Thursday, June 4, when McLaren stage a special grid moment at Circuit de Monaco. The team’s original M2B owned by Richard Mille will line up alongside the MCL40, bridging six decades of motorsport history in a single image. CEO Zak Brown, team principal Andrea Stella, Norris, and Piastri will be joined by former McLaren Grand Prix winners and F1 president Stefano Domenicali for the occasion.
Only Ferrari can claim more Formula 1 starts than McLaren, making this the second team in the sport’s history to reach four figures. With the reigning Constructors’ Champions having won here in 2025 Norris taking the chequered flag with Piastri also on the podium the 1000th race is no nostalgia trip. McLaren arrive in Monaco as genuine title contenders, ready to add another chapter to an already extraordinary story.
