The Story of McLaren: A Tribute to Automotive Excellence

by Alex Kalinauckas

Explore the revolutionary history of one of the biggest names in motorsport in this photographic tribute to McLaren.


For more than 60 years, the McLaren name has been synonymous with racing success and automotive innovation. The Story of McLaren gives readers a fascinating look into the people, the technology and, of course, the cars that have propelled this marque to the pinnacle of motorsport.
From its founding in 1963 by legendary Bruce McLaren, right through to its current position as one of the world's premier motoring brands, this beautifully designed pocket guide celebrates McLaren's major achievements across Formula 1, the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and beyond. It also highlights the host of legendary drivers who have sat behind the wheel of a McLaren on the grid, from Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton.


The brand's phenomenal road cars are also included here, from the record-breaking McLaren F1 to the revolutionary GTS. Filled with beautiful photography and insightful text, The Story of McLaren charts the history of this extraordinary marque in perfectly giftable package.

160 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Juandiego · Rating 4 out of 5]

i give this book a 4 stars because i like the book but i like more the part that it explains the cars but this book the firs 120 pages are bout Formula 1 i dont like too much but i like it so i give 4 stars because of that but i love this book it is an incredible book i like too much it is about the story of Maclaren fist in formula 1 that it was like the creator was like lesli maclaren or bruce maclaren but bruce die i didn't understand to much but they competed in formula 1 then they launched the maclaren f1 that is a supercar for road of maclarenthen they did a collaboration with Mercedes and they launched the Mercedes SLR maclaren then the 650s that s means sport then the 675 lt that lt means long tail and much more cars like the p1 720 765 lt an a lot more the gts the long tail the senna the senna gtr and much more cars i like that part was my favorite part of all maclaren has more cars but i don't know the name now but that is my favorite part the one that says all the cars and i love maclaren cars and the book with this book i didn't struggle too much in some part yes because i get bored i the formula 1 parts but i like all the book and i didn't struggle too much and i was interested more on the final part of the book but i was also interested in the first parts. this books realtes to my heroes journey because is another book i read and it is the 3 one i have read about cars this book change me in read longer books because this book is the longer one i have read in English it has 174 pages i can read it in 1 or 2 days but for me is a long book in English i will read longer books in eaglish for this help me this book in my hereos journey to read longer books and harder books than i read now to be better
this book has change me as reader to read longer books to read also harder books than i read now and it change that see the difficult to so the things that maclaren do and do it faster the books and think more about what book i chosee and much more i would recommend this book specially for people that loves or sees Formula 1 or a car fan so they can read the story there is no any specific age any one can read this incredible book and every one should read it not matter what and in general this book i give 4star because i like it and it is about cars and it tells the maclatren story it change me in heroes journey reading harder and longer books i will recommend this book to all people

[Lisa Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Story of McLaren by Alex Kalinauckas does a solid job of walking readers through the history of McLaren, from Bruce McLaren’s beginnings to Zak Brown’s modern-day leadership. The book covers all the big names — Senna, Prost, Häkkinen, Hamilton, and more — while also touching on the team’s struggles with engines, leadership changes, and the evolution into both a racing powerhouse and a car manufacturer.

The strongest part of the book for me was the structure. Each chapter neatly captured a different era, and I really liked the photographs of the cars — those helped put me in the moment and visualize the progress over the decades.

That being said, I found myself wanting more than just a recap. The writing often felt like a summary rather than a deep dive, and it didn’t deliver many surprising insights. I would have loved to hear more perspectives from the drivers themselves — especially current or recent ones like Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, or even Daniel Ricciardo. Their voices could have added a personal touch and made the history feel more alive.

Overall, it’s an informative read if you want a clear timeline of McLaren’s ups and downs, but if you’re already a fan, you might come away wishing for more behind-the-scenes stories or fresh opinions.

[Kiki 🦦 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Ferrari’s, I enjoyed reading this book and learning more about McLaren, whether in motorsport or in the car sales sector.

[ri ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

obsessed with “(and controversial former McLaren star), Fernando Alonso” and “politically agitating Fernando Alonso”