McLaren will celebrate a historic achievement in its motorsport history with a highly exclusive road car model that pays tribute to the brand’s long-standing association with racing. The Artura 1000GP is being made available in honor of McLaren’s 1000 Formula 1 starts at this year’s Monaco GP race, where the marque makes its comeback after six decades on the track. Developed and manufactured by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the limited-edition Artura 1000GP represents a special collaboration between Formula 1 racing and modern supercars.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has highlighted the significance of the event, as he 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.”
This unique road car is derived from the Artura plug-in hybrid vehicle. Inspired by the color scheme of the current MCL40 Formula 1 racing car driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the Artura 1000GP features a distinct design in papaya-and-black livery. The car includes unique graphics, papaya highlights and an exclusive interior plaque, setting it apart from the regular Artura. Its powertrain consists of a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine with 690 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque.
Team Leaders Reflect on McLaren’s Historic Formula 1 Milestone
McLaren marks a historic Formula 1 milestone
The launch comes as McLaren prepares for its 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix start at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. The occasion is especially significant because the team’s first F1 appearance also took place in Monaco 60 years ago, with founder Bruce McLaren behind the wheel of the M2B race car. Since then, McLaren has grown into one of the sport’s most successful teams, collecting 203 Grand Prix victories, 561 podium finishes, 177 pole positions, 13 Drivers’ Championships and 10 Constructors’ Championships.
To underline the achievement, McLaren’s current MCL40 race cars will run a special commemorative livery in Monaco and Spain. The design combines metallic papaya and anthracite colours while incorporating references to key moments from the team’s history. Ahead of the race weekend, McLaren will also stage a ceremonial grid gathering featuring the original M2B and the current MCL40. Former Grand Prix-winning McLaren drivers have been invited to take part alongside team leadership.
Lou McEwen and Zak Brown highlight the significance of the celebration
According to the executives at McLaren, their latest anniversary is a recognition of their resilience and growth over the years. Speaking about this milestone, the Chief Marketing Officer for McLaren Group, Lou McEwen, stated that the 1,000-races anniversary is an opportunity to highlight the difficulties, strength of character, and resilience that have characterized the company for over six decades. In her view, there are multiple historic references in the special livery dedicated to the occasion, paying respect to the namesake founder Bruce McLaren, championship-winning races, and records set by the team. McEwen also stated that fan engagement was significant in terms of connecting them to the history of the team that goes back to the very first race.
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In turn, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown highlighted that the achievement is an opportunity not only to look into McLaren’s past but also to think about the future. As the CEO stressed, regardless of the success or failure of previous experiences, the key to overcoming obstacles was perseverance and unity of the team. Additionally, he noted that the only other team besides McLaren to reach 1,000 starts in F1 has yet to be established.
