One of the perks of being a Formula 1 driver is having a steady supply of cool company cars. Back in 2019, freshman Lando Norris received an orange McLaren 570S. Four years later, the F1 ace was upgraded to the 765LT Spider.
Norris retrieved his car from the futuristic McLaren Technology Center in Woking, Surrey. The 765LT Spider has been modified by McLaren’s in-house MSO division to the 23-year-old’s exact specifications, including body panels in Blue Vision carbon fiber and bright ‘Lando Yellow’ highlights. The blue Alcantara seats have the “LN” monogram printed on the headrests.
This unique Spider is one of 765 cars, all of which have now been sold. “I’ve been able to drive a lot of different McLarens, but this is the first car I’ve designed – it’s me in the car,” Norris said.
“I’m a carbon lover, and the more carbon I have the better. But I didn’t want my logo to be everywhere, I wanted something a little more subtle, and MSO did a fantastic job bringing my vision to life.”
here comes a spider
McLaren launched the 765LT in 2020, a stiffer, faster version of the 720S, followed by a Spider version in 2022. It’s the latest addition to the ‘Long Tail’ lineage dating back to the McLaren F1.
Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the 765LT Spider can hit 62mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds. Our review said: “The 4.0-litre V8 actually feels a bit flat below 3,000rpm, but then it takes off like lit fireworks. You’re pinned into your seat, involuntarily holding your breath, your fingertips on the right paddle , look at the shift light, and grab the next gear. It’s intense.
“Thankfully, at least for your licence, the LT also engages at a reasonable pace. Its hydraulic steering system – the Spider’s transmission is slower – has constant feedback, while impressive visibility helps you get precise Place and utilize every inch of road.
Compared to Lando’s McLaren MCL60 daily-driver, the 765LT Spider might feel tame. But as a road car, it’s as wild and exhilarating as they come.
From track to road
The MCL60 has had a poor start to the season and McLaren fans have been disappointed by its performance. In fact, they may need to look to 2024, as the team’s new wind tunnel is installed next month before further development can actually take place.
Off the track, with 765LT production coming to an end, the men and women of Woking turned their attention to the new 750S: McLaren’s lightest and most powerful series ever.Read our full preview for all the details
The 750S will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer. Will Lando Norris be there for the unveiling – or maybe a thorough demo on the famous Goodwood climb? Don’t bet on it.
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F1 star Lando Norris takes delivery of custom McLaren 765LT Spider