WOKING, England, December 27, 2023 — McLaren Racing is strategically blurring the lines between Formula 1 and mainstream entertainment, and it’s paying off with a starring role for its headquarters in some of the biggest blockbusters around. The team, led by CEO Zak Brown, recognizes the need to open up to a wider audience, a shift accelerated by the success of the Drive to Survive series.
Brown, a marketing veteran, is intentionally positioning McLaren beyond the racetrack. This means welcoming film crews into the futuristic McLaren Technology Center (MTC) in Woking, a move that’s already yielded appearances in Star Wars, Fast & Furious, and the recent F1 feature film.
McLaren Technology Center Aerodynamic Tunnel
“Sport is entertainment,” Brown said in 2021, as Netflix’s Drive to Survive surged in popularity. “And I think these guys have brought us a new angle, a new dimension, and the feedback we’re getting from the fans is great, especially here in the United States.”
A Futuristic Backdrop
The MTC, designed by architect Norman Foster, isn’t just a high-tech racing facility; it’s a visually striking location featuring a Yin-Yang design, a 30-million-liter lake, and a bespoke wind tunnel. This makes it an ideal setting for science fiction and action films.
Fans of the franchise may recognize the MTC from its appearance in the Star Wars series, Andor. Minimal CGI and set design transformed the building’s sleek architecture into a futuristic Imperial base.
A Villain’s Lair
In the Fast & Furious spin-off, Hobbs & Shaw, the MTC served as the high-tech lair of villain Brixton Lore (Idris Elba). A McLaren 720S also made an appearance, driven by Jason Statham’s character in London.
On the Big Screen
Most recently, the MTC played host to the production of the new F1 feature film. While Mercedes-Benz supplied the cars for the fictional APXGP team, McLaren opened its doors—and its facilities—to the production. Brad Pitt even had the opportunity to drive McLaren’s 2023 model at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, courtesy of Brown’s personal invitation.
The MTC’s appeal is clear: it’s a working tech hub, a wildlife haven, and a visually stunning location that can convincingly portray everything from a futuristic spaceport to a villain’s headquarters. As F1’s presence in pop culture continues to grow—the F1 film has grossed over $600 million worldwide—expect to see the MTC on screen again soon.
