The Formula 1 season may only be halfway, but it’s shaping up to be one of McLaren Formula 1 Team’s biggest yet. It’s drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have undoubtedly been on top form, collectively gaining a number of podium finishes, while at the Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren Racing celebrated its 200th Grand Prix win.
Despite the roaring success so far this season, it’s business as usual when Hypebeast drops by the McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey, UK. On the rainy Thursday morning, engineers, designers, and technicians are seen making their way inside the global HQ – a futuristic glass building designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster – where they set up for work in the state-of-the-art offices and workshops. In an area on the top floor, however, a small team prepares for a collaborative day with nine lucky superfans.
While the doors are rarely opened to the general public, their visit marks a unique occasion as McLaren F1 Team partner VELO invites them to “Live Your Fandom” in an experiential day at the space, sharing motorsport stories with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and bringing their visions for the McLaren Formula 1 Team to a special workshop. “Our fans are hugely important to us,” Brown remarks to Hypebeast. “They give everything to this team, and it’s their support that pushes us forward, so it’s awesome to welcome this group of fans to the MTC.”
That being said, Brown introduces the group to the HQ and goes on to reference his open letter penned to fans of the team, filled with highlights from the season as well as anecdotes from his first-ever race day. “The 1981 Long Beach Grand Prix was the first race I ever attended as a fan – and I was immediately hooked on this incredible sport,” he mentions. “I know how powerful these moments of connection can be.”
After the meet and greet, the fans went on to explore the internal displays, which trace the company’s history with archival cars that date back to Bruce McLaren’s heyday. Heading through the showcase and past the workshops where racing cars are deconstructed and examined, they are led to a long-span trophy cabinet. One of the biggest collections of trophies in the world, the cabinet features the notable 1995 Le Mans trophy won with the McLaren F1 GTR, last year’s Constructors’ Championship trophy, as well as various medallions.
Left feeling inspired, the group later channels their favorite racing moments into sketches and collaged designs in a hands-on workshop. From memorable racetracks to their stand-out car builds, VELO shares how it will harness these connections in a special project with the McLaren Formula 1 Team later this season, putting the fans at the forefront of future races. But it’s at the end of the day when the team reveals their hidden surprise, bringing driver Lando Norris to listen in on the session.
Adding to the stories shared in the room, Norris recalls his first win on the tracks with memories of crossing the line and celebrating alongside mechanics and engineers. In a final token of appreciation, the driver also thanked the fans for supporting him throughout his racing journey, without which he wouldn’t have been able to achieve his childhood dream of competing at Silverstone – a circuit that Norris now calls home.
Take a look inside the McLaren Technology Centre by exploring the images above, and be sure to stay tuned to Hypebeast to find out about the outcome of the fan experience.
For more on VELO, head to its Instagram page now.
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