History returns to Goodwood
From July 9 to July 12, the motorsport world will once again turn its attention to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the iconic celebration of historic racing machinery that annually brings some of the most legendary cars in motorsport back to life. The spectacular event offers fans a rare opportunity to see famous machines in action while allowing great drivers of the past and present to reconnect with some of the sport’s most memorable cars.
As expected, McLaren will once again be among the star attractions. The Woking-based team has now revealed the four Formula 1 cars it will bring to Goodwood, along with the drivers who will take them up the famous hill climb.
Celebrating McLaren’s 60th anniversary
Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris will return to the cockpit of the MCL60, the car that competed during the 2023 Formula 1 season and was named in honor of McLaren’s 60th anniversary.
The British driver will take to the hill on Saturday, July 11, before handing over the car to Leonardo Fornaroli. The 21-year-old Italian, who serves as McLaren’s reserve driver and recently completed his first official Formula 1 practice session with the team in Barcelona, will get behind the wheel on the following day.
For the reigning Formula 2 champion, however, Goodwood will offer an even more emotional and memorable experience than driving the MCL60.
A thrilling tribute to Ayrton Senna
Fornaroli will also have the opportunity to drive the legendary McLaren MP4/8 from the 1993 Formula 1 season. The car holds a special place in Formula 1 history, having carried Ayrton Senna to victory in the 1993 Australian Grand Prix, his final race for McLaren.
That event is remembered not only for Senna’s victory but also for the famous handshake with Alain Prost that symbolically brought an end to one of the greatest rivalries the sport has ever witnessed. Joining Fornaroli behind the wheel of the MP4/8 will be Rob Garofall and Bruno Senna, nephew of the late Brazilian legend.
McLaren has also chosen Goodwood as the stage for another special moment. For the first time in public since 1993, the team will display the MP4/8B. Ayrton Senna personally tested this development car, powered by a Chrysler-Lamborghini V12 engine, as McLaren evaluated power unit options for the 1994 season. Ultimately, however, a partnership with the Sant’Agata Bolognese manufacturer never materialized.
In addition, McLaren will celebrate the 50th anniversary of James Hunt’s 1976 Formula 1 World Championship triumph by bringing the championship-winning M23 chassis to the festival.
McLaren excited for another Goodwood appearance
McLaren Chief Marketing Officer Lou McEwen expressed her enthusiasm for the event and the historic cars the team will showcase:
“The Goodwood Festival of Speed offers motorsport fans the opportunity to get up close to incredible cars and witness the action on track, and we are delighted to be part of it once again. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our rich heritage by bringing some of Formula 1’s most iconic cars while also celebrating our current achievements.
“This year marks 50 years since James Hunt won the World Championship, so we simply had to bring the championship-winning M23 chassis. The MP4/8 race-winning car will also be taking to the hill. It is the very same car driven by Ayrton Senna when he won the 1993 Australian Grand Prix.
“I am particularly excited to be able to show the public the MP4/8B for the first time since Ayrton and Mika Häkkinen drove it during a test at Estoril in 1993. It will be a real treat for all motorsport fans.”
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