Formula 1

A world of endless progress

From the days when Bruce McLaren first developed his technically advanced sports cars, the McLaren name has been at the forefront of automotive innovation, particularly in Formula 1. From our pioneering of carbon fibre, to more recent developments with regenerative braking systems, we innovate to stay ahead. “In Formula 1, there is no end product. You just keep on developing. It’s a business you have to prove yourself in every two weeks.” Jonathan Neale, Managing Director, McLaren Racing.

Dedicated people making ultimate machines

People from many different engineering backgrounds contribute to McLaren’s racing success, and we look to a variety of industries for inspiration, particularly aerospace. When Jonathan Neale moved from a highly successful career with BAE Systems to McLaren Racing, he was well placed to put his finger on just what makes the McLaren name synonymous with progress. “The pace of development is exhilarating and frightening. In aerospace, if a client receives their product in the agreed calendar year, it is considered a success. That doesn’t work in Formula 1. The race starts when those five lights go out, whether we’re ready or not. Late is not an option.” One look around the McLaren Technology Centre will give you an idea of how we have stayed so long at the pinnacle of motorsport: total focus and commitment. It’s an atmosphere unique to McLaren.

A calendar of improvements

A typical McLaren Formula 1 car begins life 10 months before launch, when a development team of 150 people starts with detailed simulation, wind tunnel testing and analysis work. By the time a car is launched, around 28,000 engineering and manufacturing hours will already have been invested. This development process then continues right up until the moment the new car lines up on the grid. The slightest error can be disastrous, so we don’t do compromise.