McLaren celebrates legacy with iconic liveries for Indy 500

©McLaren

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McLaren unveiled a legacy-filled trio of liveries that will adorn the entries of its Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar outfit at next month's 107th running of the Indianapolis 500.

As McLaren celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the team will commemorate its history by running at the Speedway in May a Triple Crown collection of liveries on its cars, with evocations of its win in the Indy 500, the F1 Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Car #6 is a throwback reference to McLaren's signature Marlboro scheme from the 80s and to the championships won by Niki Lauda, Alain prost and Ayrton Senna.

©McLaren

But the livery of the car that will be raced by Felix Rosenqvist was directly inspired by the McLaren MP4/2 that won the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix in the hands of Prost.

Pato O'Ward's all-black #5 Dallara Chevrolet takes its cue from McLaren's win at Le Mans in 1995 with the Gordon Murray designed McLaren F1 GTR, a car steered to the overall win in the event by Yannick Dalmas, JJ Lehto and Masanori Sekiya.

©McLaren

Finally, Alexander Rossi will be entrusted at Indy with car #7, draped in papaya and blue, like the McLaren M16 raced to the manufacturer's maiden triumph at the Brickyard by IndyCar legend Johnny Rutherford.

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"I am proud to unveil these iconic commemorative liveries, celebrating McLaren's historic Triple Crown accomplishment for our 60th anniversary," commented McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.

"They look incredible and I cannot wait to see our guys race them on track."

In addition to Arrow McLaren SP's three full-time entries, the team will enter a fourth car in next month's blue-ribbon event for IndyCar veteran Tony Kanaan who will enjoy his swansong appearance at Indianapolis.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.