With close to 1,000 race starts, 500 podium finishes and 200 victories, alongside eight constructors’ and 12 drivers’ world titles, McLaren are one of the most successful and famous teams in the history of F1.
In the latest episode of our ‘F1 Origins’ series, we go back to where it all began for the team originally set up by Bruce McLaren – a New Zealander who developed his passion for all things cars and racing at his parents’ service station.
Having battled through childhood hip issues, Bruce followed his dream all the way to the top step of the F1 podium, initially tasting success while representing Cooper in the late 1950s and early 1960s, before setting up his own, eponymous operation for 1966.
McLaren’s first victory – with Bruce at the wheel – came at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix, with the promise of many more wins and title pushes. But the story ended in tragedy when, aged just 32, the highly-rated team owner and driver died in a Can-Am testing crash at Goodwood in 1970.
However, the team continued in his memory, with the McLaren name front and centre, and a long list of champions would be crowned in their cars over the years, from Emerson Fittipaldi in 1974 to Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
Hit go in the video player above for the full story of McLaren’s rise to the top of the sport and Bruce’s incredible legacy.