In life there are often unexpected changes. We have been asked by McLaren Automotive to cease using the name “McLaren F1 Owners Club” and the associated logos and trademarks of the iconic McLaren F1. Our use of the name was agreed between Ron Dennis and myself back in 2011, however the current management at McLaren Automotive no longer wish us to use the name.

My association with the McLaren F1 has been the highlight of my motor racing career. The F1 race programme, which was instigated in my back garden in the UK when I persuaded Ron Dennis to build me a race car, began when I found two fellow buyers mad enough to purchase three custom cars to use in 1995. The rest is history. My passion for these cars is unbounded and I am proud to be closely associated with the car’s success and being its most winning driver. We intend to carry on running McLaren experiences as an independent event company and have decided to broaden our appeal to the owners of all McLaren Ultimate series cars.

So that will include the F1, P1, Senna and Speedtail. Increasingly, many F1s are no longer used and many new owners have become investors not users, in particular as car values have risen. The events reserved for the F1 alone will be to celebrate anniversaries or at special locations. The Club will become “The 106 Drivers Club” for owners of McLaren Ultimate Series Cars.

WHY 106?

The McLaren F1 had 106 examples produced. The Speedtail will have 106 produced, so we thought that was an appropriate name to encompass the ultimate that McLaren manufacture. I hope you will continue to support our events as they are generally recognised to be the pinnacle of driving tours. We have made many friends and want to keep you all to enjoy more days of driving these great cars.

RAY BELLM. Founder