Most Formula 1 teams treat their headquarters like high-security vaults, keeping doors closed and details hidden. But McLaren chose a very different direction.
Under the leadership of Zak Brown, McLaren opened its doors not only to fans and partners, but also to Hollywood. That decision quietly turned the company’s headquarters into one of the most recognizable futuristic locations in modern cinema.
A Real Building That Feels Like the Future
The secret lies in the building itself. The McLaren Technology Centre was designed by legendary architect Norman Foster, and it looks more like a space station than a traditional automotive facility.
With its flowing shapes inspired by the yin and yang concept, vast glass corridors, minimalist walkways, and a surrounding lake holding nearly 30 million liters of water, the building feels ready-made for science-fiction films. Add a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, and it’s easy to see why directors are drawn to it.
McLaren’s Roles on the Big Screen
Filmmakers have repeatedly used McLaren’s headquarters as a cinematic backdrop. In Star Wars Andor, the building’s glass walkways were transformed into high-tech Imperial facilities with only minimal visual effects.
In Fast & Furious Hobbs & Shaw, the headquarters appeared as an advanced villain’s lair, while Jason Statham showcased the performance of the McLaren 720S on the streets of London.
The upcoming F1, starring Brad Pitt, took things even further. McLaren allowed its headquarters to serve as the base for the fictional APXGP team, and after extensive simulator training, Pitt was given the opportunity to drive a real 2023 Formula 1 car on track.
Why McLaren Says Yes
Zak Brown believes that sport is entertainment, and McLaren’s strategy reflects that philosophy. Instead of focusing solely on traditional racing audiences, the brand actively engages with pop culture.
When viewers see McLaren’s headquarters in a blockbuster film or a sci-fi series, the company is no longer perceived as just a car manufacturer. It becomes a futuristic technology brand—innovative, bold, and forward-thinking.
And that image, once seen on the big screen, is hard to forget.
