10 Facts You Might Not Know About McLaren
For the second year running, McLaren has claimed the Constructors’ Title, and they’ve done it in their typical speed and style. But beyond the podium lies a legacy steeped in innovation, grit, and a few secrets, hidden just under the iconic orange paintwork.
Papaya fans are some of the most passionate in the sport. But even the most devoted supporters might discover a few surprises here.
Tell us… how many of these did you know?
- McLaren are the second oldest active-constructor driving today. They were founded in 1963, and entered their first F1 race at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix.
- Bruce McLaren was one of F1’s first driver-engineers. He didn’t just race. He designed, built, and tested his own cars. His hands-on approach inspired future engineers like Gordon Murray and Adrian Newey.
- Over the decades, they’ve earned 12 Drivers’ and 10 Constructors’ Championships, cementing their legendary status in F1’s history books.
- McLaren’s first Grand Prix win came from a borrowed engine. Their maiden F1 victory at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix was earned in a car running a Cosworth DFV engine - one they hadn’t designed themselves, but earned through Bruce’s reputation and resourcefulness.
- McLaren once designed an 'unbeatable' car. The MP4/4 (1988) was so dominant that it led 93% of all laps that season, winning 15 out of 16 races. Only a minor collision in Monza prevented a perfect record, but it's dominance was so profound, it was often said to be unbeatable.
- They’re the only constructor to earn the “Triple Crown”. McLaren is the only Constructor Team in history to win all three of motorsport’s greatest races: the Monaco GP, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- They almost left F1 in the late 1970's. Before merging with Ron Dennis in 1980, McLaren was struggling financially and competitively. The merger, championed by sponsor Philip Morris, saved the brand, and started what many say was the golden era for the Papaya’s.
- They skipped chassis number 13 out of superstition. When producing the M23, McLaren went from chassis #12 straight to #14. The number 13 has never appeared on a McLaren F1 car due to lingering superstition in the sport.
- McLaren’s papaya orange wasn’t always the signature colour. McLaren's first car raced with a white and green stripe, switching to the famous papaya orange in the late 1960s. From there, the team adopted different sponsor-driven liveries, and only returned to orange in 2017.
- The McLaren technology center is Disney meets NASA. Built in 2004, it was made to feel ‘90% Nasa and 10% Disney’. Filled with spotless white corridors, trophies, and race cars displayed like art, it perfectly embodies McLaren’s blend of imagination and engineering excellence.
