In the world of cinema, certain sets stand out, and McLaren’s headquarters in Woking has become a must-see for Hollywood. This place, combining cutting-edge technology and bold architecture, attracts filmmakers like a magnet, ready to bring epic stories to life.
A gateway to the big screen
Although they are fast on the track, Formula 1 teams, as highlighted by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, have long been slow to open up to the outside world. At a time when the series Drive to Survive is a hit, Brown admits that reaching out to the general public is essential. With his background in marketing, he excels in this approach. Thus, whether in a sci-fi blockbuster or a documentary about F1, there is a strong chance that McLaren’s headquarters will appear on screen. And it’s anything but a coincidence.
Wind tunnel of the McLaren Technology Centre
Formula 1 has managed to integrate into cinematic culture, but it is McLaren that is making the most of this opportunity, seeking to showcase itself to a much wider audience than just motorsport enthusiasts. The company seems to thrive on this exposure while maintaining its image as a constructors’ champion.
“Sport is entertainment,” says Brown as Netflix’s F1 docuseries enjoys resounding success. “These productions bring us a new dimension, and the feedback from fans is incredible, especially here in the United States.”
It would be foolish not to continue down this path. Thus, the stunning McLaren Technology Centre appears in three of the biggest film franchises. Designed by architect Norman Foster, it stands out with its Yin-Yang design, its 30 million-litre lake, and its bespoke wind tunnel, making it an ideal set for a futuristic film.
In a galaxy far, far away
McLaren Headquarters in Star Wars
McLaren Headquarters in Star Wars
The most observant will have noticed that the MTC served as a set for the Star Wars prequel series, Andor. The futuristic glass bridges, sleek corridors, and large columns were transformed with a bit of CGI and props to fit into this iconic universe.
For Lucasfilm, the MTC represented an authentic and high-tech facility, already imbued with a futuristic atmosphere. For McLaren, it was a golden opportunity to partner with one of the most iconic brands in cinema. A collaboration that seems almost natural, as if it were the result of an osmosis rather than a forced marketing strategy.
Fast and furiously villainous
McLaren Headquarters in Hobbs & Shaw
McLaren Headquarters in Hobbs & Shaw
In the Fast and Furious spin-off, titled Hobbs & Shaw, the MTC serves as the high-tech lair of the villain Brixton Lore, played by Idris Elba. The building appears as a sophisticated nerve center for the antagonist and his team.
Moreover, several McLaren models are featured in this production, including a 720S driven by Jason Statham through the streets of London. An effective way to link the brand’s image to that of a successful film.
A blockbuster built in Woking
The latest F1 feature film, bearing the same name as the championship, saw a strong integration of the racing universe into its production. While Mercedes-Benz provided the cars for the fictional team APXGP, McLaren opened its doors to offer its headquarters as a set.
The interiors and exteriors of the MTC were used for several scenes, bringing an impressive level of realism to the film. To seal this partnership, McLaren Racing even allowed Brad Pitt to take the wheel of a 2023 model on the famous Circuit of The Americas in Austin.
McLaren Technology Centre
This offer was made personally by Brown, who also facilitated access to simulators for the needs of the production. A collaboration that reflects McLaren’s commitment to the film industry.
Why the MTC continues to be chosen
The MTC has become a preferred filming location for filmmakers. A true technological paradise, it can evoke both a spaceport and a villain’s headquarters. With the continued rise of F1 in pop culture — the latest film having grossed over $600 million internationally — it would not be surprising to see McLaren’s headquarters on the big screen again soon.
