MCLAREN MARKS THE NEXT CHAPTER WITH THE REVEAL OF AN EVOLVED IDENTITY

A visual expression of a brand evolution: The evolution of the McLaren identity expresses the ambition, creativity and confidence that is shaping our future.

23.09.2026 - 09:14
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  MCLAREN MARKS THE NEXT CHAPTER WITH THE REVEAL OF AN EVOLVED IDENTITY
CREDIT: McLaren

PERLA --McLaren today reveals an evolved brand identity that brings together the marque’s past, present and future in one connected expression across McLaren Automotive and McLaren Racing.


The new brand identity is rooted in the vision and restless ambition of founder Bruce McLaren, while reflecting the broader world McLaren is building for its clients, colleagues, fans and global community. 


For more than 60 years, McLaren has been defined by the belief that there is always a way to go further. From racing breakthroughs to road car innovation that started with the McLaren F1, that founding philosophy has shaped every era of the brand. The evolved identity carries that same spirit forward, creating a clearer and more unified expression of McLaren as it continues to grow its community, experiences and level of personalization.


"There is something uniquely special about McLaren. Throughout our history, we've never been content to follow established paths. We've always looked ahead, driven by a restless desire to innovate, create and push beyond expectations. This evolution of our visual identity captures that spirit. It's a reflection of the journey we are on as a company. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for McLaren, giving a physical expression to the ambition, creativity and forward momentum that is shaping our future."
David Woodhouse, Chief Creative Officer, McLaren Automotive

"McLaren has evolved enormously over the years, but looking back through our shared history across Racing and Automotive, it’s poignant how much of Bruce's original vision and spirit still runs through the business today. This evolved identity perfectly bridges that proud heritage with our future ambition. It celebrates the symbols and stories our fans, partners and team mates already know and love, while giving us a more connected expression of where we’re heading next. It feels unmistakably McLaren."
Lou McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing

The evolved identity is designed to support a wider expression of McLaren ownership and fandom, one that extends beyond exceptional products and success on track to include deeper personalization, richer experiences and an even stronger sense of community. 
McLaren Racing and Automotive teams started by drawing on their shared archives to explore the symbols, stories and design details that have defined McLaren from Bruce’s earliest years in New Zealand to the global brand of today.


At the heart of the identity is a new McLaren wordmark, inspired by the sign above the family Service Station in Remuera, Auckland. Owned by Bruce’s parents, Les and Ruth McLaren, it was where Bruce built the car that would take him to his first racing victory. Recrafting that identity for today, it reconnects McLaren with its origins while giving the brand a confident visual language for the future.


The Speedmark, one of McLaren’s most recognizable symbols, remains at the heart of the brand. Its continued presence reflects the value of continuity and its enduring significance to fans around the world. Papaya also remains a defining element, now joined by an expanded color palette inspired by pivotal moments in McLaren’s history. The identity also retains the Speedy Kiwi, honoring Bruce McLaren’s New Zealand roots and its longstanding place in McLaren’s history.


The reveal follows a series of storytelling moments throughout 2026 that have amplified McLaren’s origins and the ideas that continue to shape its future. These include a renewed focus on Bruce McLaren’s story, from the celebration of the M6GT as the earliest expression of his road car vision, to the reveal of McL 6GT as a contemporary signal of McLaren’s design and performance ambition. 


Across McLaren Racing, that same narrative has continued as part of McLaren's papaya era, with the team celebrating two defining milestones; racing in its 1000th GP in F1 and announcing its Hypercar challenger in WEC putting the team in the hunt for the Triple Crown.


McLaren Automotive recently confirmed plans to expand its UK manufacturing and engineering footprint through a £500m investment program, supporting the next phase of its long-term growth including expanding beyond two-seater sports cars with an upcoming SUV.


Together, these milestones reflect a broader effort to connect with the values, spirit and pioneering mindset that have defined McLaren from the very beginning.

About McLaren Automotive:
McLaren Automotive exists to create the world's most exhilarating luxury performance vehicles. Founded in the UK, with our roots remaining there to this day, we now have global presence in over 40 markets.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, the company combines cutting-edge technology, lightweight engineering and handcrafted excellence to deliver extraordinary driving experiences.


From Bruce McLaren’s original dream of a road car with the M6GT, to the legendary McLaren F1 – widely regarded as the greatest supercar of all time - we are inspired by our heritage. But we remain driven towards creating a future where each one of our cars answers the question our founder asked over 60 years ago: how do we make this one better than the last?

About McLaren Racing:
McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 23 Formula 1 world championships, over 200 Formula 1 Grands Prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.    


McLaren Racing competes across three racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren Mastercard F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Scott Dixon, Felix Rosenqvist and Ryan Hunter-Reay, and F1 Academy with Driver Development Program members Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens. 


McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.   

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