McLaren Orange Iconic Branding
The iconic orange of McLaren's first F1 car to race in the color, the M2B in 1966, set the stage for a legacy of innovation and victory.
Bruce McLaren Motor Racing, founded by Bruce McLaren in 1963, introduced its signature orange livery on the McLaren M2B in 1966, which was the team's first Formula One car to race in orange. (The M2B originally raced in a white-and-green livery at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix before later adopting orange that same year.) The 1968 McLaren M7A, which won the team's first Formula One race, was painted in a darker shade of orange, not the modern 'Papaya Orange' introduced in 2017.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- New Zealand National Colors (Bruce McLaren)
- First major win
- 1968 Belgian Grand Prix
- Design philosophy
- High visibility and national pride
- Status
- Restored as primary livery in modern era
Lore & Background
Bruce McLaren was a New Zealand racing driver, automotive designer, engineer, and motorsport executive. He founded Bruce McLaren Motor Racing in 1963. The team won its first Formula One race at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix with the McLaren M7A. McLaren became one of only three drivers, alongside Jack Brabham and Dan Gurney, to win a World Championship race in a car built by their own team. The team has since won eight World Constructors' Championships.
Reader's Guide
The orange livery first appeared on the McLaren M2B in 1966. The 1968 M7A wore a darker shade of orange, not the modern 'Papaya Orange' introduced in 2017. The modern 'Papaya Orange' is brighter than the original 1960s orange. Iconic drivers associated with the orange livery include Bruce McLaren himself and Denny Hulme, who drove for the team in the late 1960s.
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