McLaren will spotlight its illustrious Formula 1 history and ongoing supercar innovation at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, during Monterey Car Week on August 16. This year marks the 50th anniversary of McLaren’s first Formula 1 World Championships, a milestone that highlights the team’s enduring legacy and influence on its supercars.
In 1974, McLaren reached a pivotal moment in its history. Brazilian driver Emerson Fittipaldi, at the time the youngest Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion, secured McLaren’s first World Drivers’ Championship and the team’s first World Constructors’ Championship. This double victory was a testament to the team’s dedication, especially poignant following the tragic loss of founder Bruce McLaren in 1970.
The 1974 season saw Fittipaldi win three races and teammate Denny Hulme clinch victory at the season opener in Argentina, contributing to McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship win. The iconic McLaren M23 Formula 1 car, which played a key role in these successes, will be on display. The M23, which also secured the World Drivers’ Championship with James Hunt in 1976, remains one of McLaren’s most successful designs.
Complementing the M23, the McLaren 750S with the 3-7-59 Theme will be showcased. This special edition, revealed in November 2023, celebrates McLaren’s Triple Crown of Motorsport achievements: the 1974 Indianapolis 500, the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix, and the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours.
McLaren will also present the McLaren Senna with the Senna Sempre Livery, a tribute to Ayrton Senna’s legacy, featuring unique artwork by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). This special car will make its North American debut alongside two Senna race-driven Formula 1 cars.
Looking ahead, McLaren will launch the McLaren Trophy America championship in 2025. This series, designed for bespoke McLaren race cars, will feature 10 rounds including races at iconic tracks like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Circuit of the Americas. The series aims to provide competitive opportunities for both amateur and aspiring professional drivers, reflecting McLaren’s commitment to racing excellence.
Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive, shares: “50 years on from our first world championship win, we continue to be inspired by our history of racing through the ages. Today, we compete in Formula 1, GT racing, IndyCar, Formula E, Extreme E, and in the virtual world. Every supercar we create is a continuation of this racing heritage. The expansion of this with McLaren Trophy America in 2025 only proves our commitment to making more history on track.”
Source: McLaren
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