McLaren colors in F1 (1966-2018)

Zak Brown, Executive Director of McLaren is not a little proud of the orange dress of the McLaren MCL33 : “It is not simply an act driven by emotion; this proves that we listen to the fans”, many of whom wanted a return to a more “historic” color on the McLaren in Formula 1. But is the “papaya” color really the livery with the most history of the team in F1? Let's check the history of McLaren through its decorations.

1. The first livery, McLaren M2B

Bruce McLaren's first creation in car was not orange, but white with a dark green stripe! The M2B competed in the 1 F1966 World Championship solely in the hands of the boss-driver in six events. His best place was 5th at the United States Grand Prix.

2. Oranges, McLaren M7

It is between 1968 and 1971 that the famous “papaya” orange is used on the various versions of the McLaren M7 (A, B, C and D). The M7A version allowed Bruce McLaren to open his victory counter in F1 on the tricky Spa-Francorchamps circuit in 1968. The Navy blue will be worn by American Can-Am prototypes on the front and rear wing, like the MCL33 in 2018.

3. The arrival of sponsors, McLaren M19

McLaren succumbed to the sponsorship trend in 1972. Following in the footsteps of Lotus (and their red and white Gold Leaf livery), here isa London cosmetics company (Yardley) chases orange for white. Only the side tanks will keep their usual orange.

4. The red and white, McLaren M23

This is the decoration most used by McLaren in F1. Thanks to the contract with the tobacco company Marlboro, the single-seaters are white with a red geometric shape on the fins and the engine cover. With this classic and immediately identifiable color, McLaren continues to win Manufacturers' titles (Sept), thanks in particular to Emerson Fittipaldi in 1974 then Ayrton senna, Alain Prost et Gerhard berger in the years 1980-90. More than two decades with the same red and white scheme, until 1996. It's certainly beautiful, but it's starting to get repetitive.

5. The Silver Arrows, McLaren MP4-12

Another major sponsor (West), new design. For eight years (from 1997 to 2005), the McLarens were renamed "Silver Arrows" by the media because of their gray color and their German engine. Mercedes. At the turn of the XNUMXst century, Mika Hakkinen makes life difficult for the armada Ferrari, with Drivers (1998 and 1999) and Manufacturers titles up for grabs. Besides, McLaren hasn't won a Team crown since 1998...

6. Chrome for dazzling results, McLaren MP4-23

In 2006, McLaren stood out with a chrome livery of the most beautiful effect. The following year, Vodafone became a long-term partner (until 2013) of the team. While the 2018 season is being prepared, we can legitimately believe that this period is McLaren's last glorious era. With a World Drivers' title (Lewis Hamilton in 2008) and great consistency (always on the Manufacturers' podium between 2008 and 2012), we could never have imagined an aesthetic or factual decline...

7. Black is black, McLaren MP4-31

No creativity, partners who are giving up, a depressing black color for such anonymous results (9th in 2015 and 2017, 6th in 2016): McLaren falls very low and provokes the anger of many motorsport fans, disappointed to see the association with the engine manufacturer Honda takes on water month after month. After a vintage attempt in 2017, the 2018 single-seater becomes completely orange, giving a touch of freshness to the team as well as to the hitherto rather purring decorations of F1.