McLaren celebrated their 1,000th Formula One start during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend in June 2026, making them only the second team after Ferrari to reach this milestone in F1 history [1, 2]. Ferrari first hit 1,000 race starts at the Mugello circuit in September 2020, having competed since 1950 [1, 2].
Since their debut, McLaren has been one of the most successful teams in the sport. The British outfit has claimed 203 Grand Prix wins, ranking them second in all-time victories behind Ferrari’s 247 [1, 2]. McLaren has secured 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ titles since Emerson Fittipaldi’s first drivers’ crown in 1974 [1, 2].
The team’s driver lineup over the years reads like a roll call of Formula One greats. Champions such as Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen, Lewis Hamilton, and most recently 2025 title winner Lando Norris have all raced for McLaren [1, 2]. Norris described the milestone as "very special," saying, "To see my name alongside some of these guys is very special" [1]. Other notable champions who drove for McLaren include Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Denny Hulme, Nigel Mansell, Kimi Raikkonen, Keke Rosberg, and Jody Scheckter [1, 2].
McLaren's success was shaped under the leadership of Ron Dennis, who led the team from 1981 and built a dominant F1 powerhouse that won seven constructors' championships between 1984 and 1998 [1, 2]. Zak Brown, who has been McLaren’s CEO since 2018, has been credited with helping the team return to competitiveness. Brown called McLaren "an iconic, legendary racing team" with an amazing history of drivers [1].
Ferrari remains the most decorated F1 squad with 16 constructors' and 15 drivers' championships but have not won a title since 2008 [1, 2]. McLaren's landmark 1,000th start shows their enduring presence at the pinnacle of motorsport over nearly six decades.
McLaren will aim to build on this milestone as the 2026 season continues, with the team focused on closing the gap to current leaders on the grid [1, 2].