What happened: McLaren is commemorating its 60th anniversary and 1,000th Grand Prix start during the 2026 season, bridging the gap between its 1966 debut and the current campaign. The team recently showcased a heritage-inspired look to honor the M2B, the first car raced by founder Bruce McLaren.
Why it matters: The milestone follows McLaren's successful title defense in 2025 and its transition into the 2026 regulatory era. After reaching its 1,000th Grand Prix at Monaco earlier this month, the team remains a frontrunner in the championship standings.
By the numbers: 1966: Year of F1 debut at Monaco 1,000: Total Grand Prix starts reached in 2026 203: Total Grand Prix victories through mid-2026 60: Years of Formula 1 competition
What to watch: McLaren continues its 2026 title defense following a strong podium finish at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.