4 June 2026 14:00 (UTC)
“As we arrive in Monaco, there could be no more fitting place to mark this achievement”
As we approach our 1000th Grand Prix start this weekend in Monaco, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has penned a letter to the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team to mark this incredible milestone.
Sixty years on from our Formula 1 debut at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix, this weekend’s race in the Principality will see us become only the second team in the sport’s history to reach four figures for race starts.
In his letter, Domenicali celebrates the team’s success over the past six decades, highlights some of his favourite McLaren moments, and pays tribute to the people who have made this possible.
Here’s what he had to say…
Dear McLaren team,
I write to you on a truly special occasion: 1000 Grands Prix at the pinnacle of motorsport, and more than 60 years in Formula 1 and in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
Champions, competitors, teammates, innovators, and friends-this is a remarkable milestone and a moment worthy of celebration for all of you.
As we arrive in Monaco, there could be no more fitting place to mark this achievement. The streets of the Principality have long provided the ultimate test of skill, courage, and precision. Steeped in history, Monaco is where legends are made and where McLaren has helped define eras of the sport.
From the earliest days of the team, driven by the vision, passion, and pioneering spirit of Bruce McLaren, your team has played an integral role in shaping Formula 1. Your story is woven into the fabric of the Championship itself and will remain etched in its history forever.
From Niki Lauda's remarkable return as Champion in 1984, through the unforgettable Senna-Prost rivalry, Mika Häkkinen's triumphs, the emergence of a future seven-time Champion - Lewis Hamilton and winning both drivers and constructors titles in 2025 with Lando and Oscar, McLaren has consistently embodied excellence, resilience, and an unwavering determination to compete at the highest level.
Today, we celebrate not only the victories and achievements, but also the people behind them. I would like to congratulate every member of the McLaren family, past and present, whose dedication, talent, and commitment have made this extraordinary journey possible.
May the next 60 years be as inspiring as the first, and may another 1000 races bring even more unforgettable moments.
Thank you, McLaren, and congratulations on this historic achievement.
Best wishes,
Stefano Domenicali
