McLaren celebrate their 1000th Formula 1 race with special Monaco Grand Prix livery

Norris and Piastri will race the MCL40 in metallic papaya and anthracite, with hidden references across the car to McLaren’s first race, victories, championship wins, Triple Crown success and world record pit stop. Both drivers will also wear matching special overalls.

The commemorative livery will run at the Monaco and Spanish Grands Prix, carrying the theme McLaren Never Quits as the team celebrates 60 years since Bruce McLaren drove the M2B in the team’s first F1 race at Monaco.

McLaren has since won 203 Grands Prix, taken 561 podiums, earned 177 pole positions, secured 13 Drivers’ Championships and won 10 Constructors’ Championships.

On Thursday, 4 June, McLaren will stage a special grid moment at the Circuit de Monaco, placing the original M2B, now owned by Richard Mille, alongside the 2026 MCL40.

Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, Norris and Piastri will be joined by McLaren Grand Prix winners from across the team’s history, with all living winners invited, along with Formula 1 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."

Norris said: "It's a very special weekend for us as we celebrate such an incredible milestone. The livery looks fantastic, and where better to celebrate this than at one of the most iconic races on the calendar and the location of the team's first Grand Prix.

"To have played my small part in McLaren's incredible history is something I am very proud of. McLaren is a team I looked up to when I was younger and it's an honour to represent the men and women that make up this team for its 1000th GP."

Piastri said: "I am excited to hit the track in this very special livery. 1000 Grands Prix is a huge achievement for the team, and it is a privilege to be out there representing McLaren for the occasion.

"The car looks mega, and it feels fitting that this celebration has lined up to be where the team first raced in the Championship, 60 years ago. We'll do what we can to push hard and in the aim of bringing home some silverware this weekend to commemorate the moment.

"Here's to 1000. I look forward to racing for McLaren for many more," he concluded.

McLaren arrives in Monaco with its past and present side by side, celebrating the milestone at the same circuit where Bruce McLaren first put the team on the Formula 1 grid.