McLaren Unveils Special Livery for 1000th Grand Prix at Monaco

McLaren marked its 1000th Grand Prix weekend at Monaco with a special livery that blends metallic papaya orange and anthracite, emblazoned with the number 1000 on the sidepod of the MCL40. The design, which will also be used at the subsequent Barcelona-Catalunya race, includes hidden nods to key milestones from the team's storied past.

Why it matters:

Becoming only the second team in F1 history to reach 1,000 race starts, McLaren's celebration underscored its enduring legacy and competitive spirit. The livery was not just a aesthetic tribute but a symbol of resilience, highlighting both triumphs and struggles that shaped the team.

The Details:

• The special livery features metallic papaya orange and anthracite, with the '1000' graphics on the sidepod.
• Hidden gems across the car reference first race, victories, championship wins, the Triple Crown, and the world record pit stop.
• Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri wore matching overalls, carrying the same design language.
• On Thursday, McLaren displayed its first F1 car, the M2B, alongside the current MCL40 at the track.
• CEO Zak Brown, team boss Andrea Stella, and both drivers were joined by past McLaren Grand Prix winners for a photo.
• “Lining up on the grid to race McLaren’s 1000th grand prix in Monaco… provides a perfect opportunity to recognise our rich history,” Brown said.

What's next:

The livery will appear again at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. As McLaren continues its resurgence under the current regulations, the milestone served as a reminder of the team's ambition to return to championship contention—a goal that remains very much in focus for 2026.