McLaren F1 team to take over London’s Trafalgar Square

The McLaren Formula 1 team will take over London’s Trafalgar Square on 2-3 July to host McLaren Racing Live: London, a two-day event celebrating all things racing and innovation ahead of the team’s home race.

The free event will allow fans to get up close to McLaren cars that compete across multiple championships, including Formula 1, Formula E, IndyCar, WEC, and heritage cars.

Other events taking place include interactive experiences such as racing simulators, a Batak reaction wall, a pit-stop challenge, and a dedicated McLaren Racing merchandise store.

Members of the race team will also make guest appearances over the two days in the capital ahead of the team's home race, the British Grand Prix.

Louise McEwen, chief marketing officer for McLaren Racing, said: "We absolutely cannot wait to paint Trafalgar Square papaya with McLaren Racing Live: London. Never Stop Racing is all about bringing our fans closer to the team beyond the track together with the support from our incredible partners.

Fans gather in Trafalgar Square

Photo by: Andrew Hone / Motorsport Images

“It will be an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to celebrating with everyone as we get ready for our home race at Silverstone."

Trafalgar Square also hosted the F1 Live London show in 2017, which featured all F1 teams and drivers – aside from Lewis Hamilton, who was on holiday. 

The last event featured F1 cars ripping through London’s streets and doing donuts while there were also performances from musical acts and celebrity appearances in a lavish event put on by Liberty Media, following its takeover of the series.

McLaren’s London event comes in the run-up to the British GP at Silverstone, which will mark the 75th anniversary of the sport. 

A number of events are planned around the race weekend and with a special Silverstone Festival also planned for August.