McLaren unveil special livery for historic 1000th grand prix

McLaren has unveiled a special livery to mark a major milestone in its Formula 1 history.

This weekend's Monaco Grand Prix represents the 1000th for the Woking-based organisation, leading to a McLaren livery that the team claims symbolises the message that McLaren Never Quits.

The livery will also be present on the car for the following weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

On Thursday, the team will initially commemorate its achievement with a special moment on the grid at the Circuit de Monaco, where the team’s first F1 car, the M2B, will line up alongside the team’s 1000th GP entry, the MCL40.

CEO Zak Brown, team principal Andrea Stella and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be joined by McLaren grand prix winners from throughout its history, as well as F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali. 

Brown said: “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.

"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.

“Throughout our past, this team has always shown grit and determination, whether that be in periods of success or the trickier times.

"McLaren Never Quits, and this livery and the moment on Thursday is a special way to celebrate how far we’ve come.

"We look forward to running it out on track and recognising what we have achieved from our first race, here in Monaco back in 1966, through to now. Here’s to 1000 more."

For its 1000th grand prix, the team returns to the location of its first Formula 1 race in Monaco in 1966, when the M2B was driven by founder Bruce McLaren.

Since then, the team has gone on to win 203 grands prix, achieve 561 podiums, earn 177 pole positions and take home 13 drivers’ championships and 10 constructors’ championships.