The highlight of the F1 calendar has arrived.
This week, the teams head to Monaco for the Grand Prix. While the race has become somewhat of a procession over the years, it remains one of the standout events in motorsport. Additionally, Saturday’s qualifying is expected to be the most crucial session of the season, considering the significance of starting at the front of the tight and narrow street circuit.
In light of this, teams usually unveil fresh designs for the Monaco Grand Prix, and 2026 is no exception. We’ll be keeping an eye on any new team designs leading up to the race.
McLaren celebrates its 1000th Grand Prix
McLaren is showcasing a new look for the occasion of its 1000th Grand Prix in F1. It’s worth mentioning that the team made its debut at this very event in 1966 when founder Bruce McLaren raced in the M2B. That car will make an appearance in Monaco this week as they mark this milestone.
“Participating in McLaren’s 1000th Grand Prix in Monaco presents a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge our rich motorsport history. We’re only the second team to hit this milestone, so it feels like the right moment to reflect on where we’ve been and where we are headed,” said McLaren CEO Zac Brown.
He continued, “Throughout our journey, we’ve demonstrated resilience and determination, whether in success or in tough times. McLaren never backs down, and this special livery and the moment on Thursday are great ways to celebrate how far we’ve come. We look forward to being on track and recognizing our achievements, from our first race here in Monaco in 1966 to this momentous 1000th.”
The MCL40 features “0001” on the left side and “1000” on the right.
McLaren has a history of special designs for Monaco. In 2023, they introduced a ‘Triple Crown’ design, and the following year, they recognized legendary driver Ayrton Senna with a unique design.
Last season, at Monaco, they honored the M7A, which Bruce McLaren drove to their first Grand Prix victory at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix.
Aston Martin’s “From Rock to Racetrack”
Aston Martin, in collaboration with its partner Marden, has revealed their new look for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix titled “From Rock to Racetrack.” This design features a color-changing rainbow finish, highlighting how Marden, a mining and metals company, is transforming raw materials into essential components for modern society.
The team says the livery will appear to change color as the AMR26 drives around Monaco.
“Depending on the angle and lighting, the car gives the impression of changing color as it races. We see this effect as a perfect visual representation of transformation,” the team noted.
“The finish evolves from corner to corner, showcasing one color on entry and a completely different shade upon exit. We drew inspiration from Andromeda Red, an exclusive color-changing paint available on some Aston Martin models, particularly the limited edition Valar and Valhalla hypercars.”
