The Principality of Monaco this weekend serves as the backdrop for McLarenTeam·McLaren's celebration of its 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix entry, a significant milestone for the British racing outfit. While the actual 1000th race start is anticipated to occur at the Spanish Grand PrixCompetition·Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona next week, McLarenTeam·McLaren has chosen Monaco for its commemorative events, honoring the circuit where the team made its Formula 1 debut in 1966.
This celebratory timing acknowledges McLarenTeam·McLaren's rich history, tracing back to founder Bruce McLarenPlayer·Bruce McLaren's inaugural appearance in 1966, where he was the sole representative on the grid but did not finish the race. The decision to mark the occasion in Monaco, rather than waiting for the precise 1000th start, stems from the team's interpretation of its participation record. McLarenTeam·McLaren officially includes the controversial 2005 United States Grand PrixCompetition·United States Grand Prix, where their cars completed the warm-up lap but did not start the race, in their count of "entries" or "participations in a race weekend." This inclusion allows Monaco to be recognized as their 1000th entry, even though it represents their 999th actual race start, with the 1000th start slated for Barcelona. The count has also been affected by instances where McLarenTeam·McLaren cars did not start, such as the 2026 Chinese Grand PrixCompetition·Chinese Grand Prix, the 2005 United States Grand PrixCompetition·United States Grand Prix, the 1983 Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix (where Niki LaudaPlayer·Niki Lauda and John WatsonPlayer·John Watson failed to qualify), and the 1966 Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix.
To commemorate this historic occasion, McLarenTeam·McLaren is deploying a special livery on its MCL40 cars for both the Monaco and Spanish Grands Prix. The design features a metallic papaya and anthracite scheme, incorporating elements that pay homage to the team's storied past. A special event was held on June 4, prior to the Monaco Grand PrixCompetition·Monaco Grand Prix, on the starting grid of the Circuit de MonacoVenue·Circuit de Monaco. McLarenTeam·McLaren's first Formula 1 car, the M2B from 1966, was positioned alongside the current MCL40, symbolizing the continuity of the team's legacy. Executive Director of McLarenTeam·McLaren Racing, Zak BrownCoach·Zak Brown, Team Principal Andrea StellaCoach·Andrea Stella, and drivers Lando NorrisPlayer·Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriPlayer·Oscar Piastri were joined by former McLarenTeam·McLaren Grand Prix winners and Formula 1 CEO Stefano DomenicaliCoach·Stefano Domenicali for the occasion.
"The grid line-up for McLaren's 1000th Grand Prix in Monaco this year provides the ideal opportunity to acknowledge our rich motorsport history," stated Zak Brown. "We are only the second team to reach this incredible milestone, so there is no better moment to reflect on our past, present, and future." Brown further emphasized the team's enduring spirit, adding that "McLaren never gives up."
Lando NorrisPlayer·Lando Norris, the reigning 2025 Drivers' World Champion, expressed his pride in being the driver with the most starts for McLarenTeam·McLaren, conveying his hope to continue his journey with the team "for many more years." Norris acknowledged the challenging start to the 2026 season but maintained an optimistic outlook for improvements throughout the extensive calendar.
Team Principal Andrea StellaCoach·Andrea Stella echoed this sentiment, recognizing the "challenging" beginning to the season but noting "encouraging indications" regarding car development and power unit utilization.
As of today, McLarenTeam·McLaren holds third place in the 2026 Constructors' Championship with 106 points. Lando NorrisPlayer·Lando Norris is fifth in the Drivers' standings with 58 points, while Oscar PiastriPlayer·Oscar Piastri is sixth with 48 points. The season began with difficulties for the team, including technical issues that prevented both cars from starting the Chinese Grand PrixCompetition·Chinese Grand Prix. However, Oscar PiastriPlayer·Oscar Piastri secured the team's first podium of the season at the Japanese Grand PrixCompetition·Japanese Grand Prix, signaling potential for recovery. MercedesTeam·Mercedes currently leads the Constructors' Championship with 219 points, with FerrariTeam·Ferrari in second place with 147 points, setting a competitive landscape for McLarenTeam·McLaren to navigate as they aim to close the gap.
Bruce McLaren's #60 McLaren F1 car on the Circuit de Monaco. Photo credit: Alessio de Marco/IMAGO
Alessio de Marco/IMAGOThis article was generated by AI (gemini-2.5-flash). Learn more.
