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Every day, the Papaya Army proudly wears our merchandise for the world to see, sporting it at racetracks, in the gym, at festivals, in supermarkets, and so many other places. So, it stands to reason that they should play a part in the advertising of our drops, too.

That’s why, for our latest two releases, the Monaco and Senna collections, we offered fans the chance to star in the marketing for the ranges, asking our McLaren Plus members to submit a video audition.

Ten of the submissions were then selected to attend the McLaren Technology Centre for a photoshoot with our team, where they tried on and modelled their favourite picks from the two ranges.

“The atmosphere has been absolutely electric,” Andrew elated. “Everybody is starstruck that we are at the MTC, realising how much history there is around you here. I was very fortunate to be selected, and this is a great opportunity. It keeps the team in touch with their fans, as opposed to them hiring professionals, which is fantastic.”

Mark adds: “I’ve always wanted to visit the MTC, as I’ve been a McLaren fan for so long. I started watching in the late ‘90s, I can remember seeing the cars on TV and the sound and the speed just captivated me. Even back then, it was always McLaren who I loved and followed.”

To enter, fans had to submit a video telling us about themselves and explaining why they’d be perfect for the photoshoot. The aim was to provide them with a unique and unforgettable experience that made them feel like they were a part of the team, while putting them front and centre of the campaign as they’re the ones who buy and wear our merchandise.

Cristine recalled: “I am a McLaren fan through and through, so this has been a dream situation for me. I wasn’t originally going to enter because I talked myself out of it, but I am so glad I did, as this has been unbelievable. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s been unbeatable - phenomenal. There has been a real buzz around the place. We are surrounded by so much papaya, and so many iconic cars and trophies. It’s been surreal in the best way possible.

“As a fan, you spend so much time supporting your team and your drivers, and you become so emotionally invested, so to come here feels like a dream. I can only say thank you to McLaren for giving us this opportunity.”

Lizzie added: “When I saw this come through on my McLaren Plus emails, I thought that it would be an absolutely insane opportunity to visit the McLaren Technology Centre, to be involved in this, and to feel the atmosphere. I have always loved McLaren as a team, and this has been a crazy experience. I have never done anything like this in my life, so I am really enjoying the chance.”

During their visit to the MTC, the 10 fans enjoyed a tour of the factory, having their photos taken with many of our historic cars, and seeing our famous trophy cabinet, which includes everything from Bruce McLaren’s very first trophy to Lando’s recent Miami Grand Prix winners’ trophy. The winners also got the opportunity to see and try on the new ranges before anyone else.

“This has given us an opportunity to see the factory and go behind the scenes,” said Jamie. “It has been really fun, and I have seen so much. This makes you feel like you are part of the team as well, which is really, really good. The atmosphere has been sick, you can tell everyone is excited to model the clothes and have photos taken with the heritage cars – it’s been really, really fun."

The 10 passionate members of the Papaya Army were a mixture of old and new fans, with some starting to watch F1 and supporting McLaren as they grew older, and others having watched it since they were little through their parents or grandparents.

Even the newer fans were aware of Senna and his status as one of the sport’s greatest-ever drivers, such was the impact he made in his all-too-short career. The 10 fans were split into two groups, with one half modelling the Senna range and the other starring in the Monaco range. Following the shoot, they discussed their pride in featuring.

“McLaren has always been a big part of my life,” says Lucy. “My family are all big F1 fans. On weekends, when I was younger, all I can remember is hearing V10s in the background. It has always been a part of my life, and I’ve always been a McLaren fan. Senna is one of the greatest drivers of all time, he’s the 'King of Monaco' and the pinnacle of F1. He was an incredible character, and it is great to be a part of commemorating his life and career with this campaign.”

Emma says: “It has been an honour to feature in a McLaren campaign. I’ve gotten to work with a bunch of really interesting and cool people, a lot of other great fans like myself. I was introduced to F1 by my grandparents and then re-introduced by a friend of mine in high school.

“When you hear Senna’s name, you associate him with the word’s ‘icon’ and ‘legend’. Even if you don’t know a lot about F1, I am sure that you have heard of Senna. The fact that McLaren are honouring him in such a way with this collection is really cool.”

The collection was released to accompany our Senna30 campaign, launched to celebrate the life and career of Ayrton, 30 years on from his tragic passing. This included a one-off yellow, green, and blue livery inspired by his iconic helmet. Limited edition driver overalls, team kit, and helmets were also launched in honour of Ayrton.  

Sean says: “McLaren are the team I’ve supported for a long, long time, and Senna is a name that everyone knows. This colour scheme is special to a lot of fans around the world and to be involved in this is very special." 

Nathan added: “I have been a McLaren fan for an extremely long time now – around 15 years. The standout Senna moment for me has to be Donnington ’93, seeing him come from fifth in the soaking wet to complete the first lap in first position – talking about it is giving me goosebumps now. Or, seeing him drive around Monaco, with one hand on the steering wheel, changing gears. Senna was incredible and amazing and he is severely missed.” 

You can get your hands on the Monaco and Senna ranges on the McLaren Store. Want to be in with a chance to feature in one of our future campaigns? Sign up to McLaren Plus today for FREE, where you’ll gain unparalleled access to the team as well as the chance to enter exclusive competitions and prize draws.