McLaren has unveiled a gleaming bronze statue of former Formula 1 champion Mika Hakkinen at its Woking factory, marking its 1000th Grand Prix milestone.
Robust Tribute on the Boulevard
Artist Paul Oz crafted the figure to capture Hakkinen’s triumphant pose at Suzuka’s 1998 finale, where he secured his first World Championship.
The bronze sits beside the team’s championship‑winning MP4/13, joining statues of Bruce McLaren, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.
Hakkinen was present for the ceremony, joined by CEO Zak Brown, team principal Andrea Stella and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
“It was that day in Suzuka, when I realised we could win. It was an amazing moment,” Hakkinen reflected.
Celebrating a Historic Legacy
Brown highlighted that “More than 100 Formula 1 teams have come and gone since McLaren made its debut.”
He added that the team’s foundation “comes down to the DNA Bruce McLaren instilled.”
Stella emphasized the duty to “keep filling our trophy cabinets,” noting the honour and motivation this heritage provides.
With the statue now in place, McLaren joins a lineage of legends, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of the sport.
"