Supercar style: McLaren in pop culture, from silver screen to city streets
Published on Aug 18, 2025 at 11:59 AM | By Alessandro Renesis
McLaren is supercar brand with extensive background and knowledge in motorsport, but its influence extends far beyond the racetrack, especially with flagship models such as the McLaren 720S and the McLaren P1 and of course the McLaren F1.
McLaren supercars have also become a cultural juggernaut, starring in blockbuster movies, celebrity garages, and of course, inevitably, the world of social media.
From the McLaren 720S to the legendary McLaren P1, these machines are more than vehicles.
They’re icons of style and status.
Let’s take a look at how McLaren in pop culture has cemented its place in movies, music, and modern lifestyle, making it a symbol of Hollywood as well as the city streets and the track.
McLaren’s big screen moments
McLarens in movies are immediately recognizable.
In the Fast & Furious franchise, particularly Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, the McLaren 720S steals the show with its aerodynamic curves and a no-nonsense, dark personality to match Luke Shaw’s character, portrayed by Jason Statham.
The McLaren in Fast and Furious isn’t just a car.
It’s also a star and key protagonist in the film.
Beyond Fast & Furious, McLaren supercars have appeared in films like Need for Speed, where the McLaren P1 stole the show, and Transformers: The Last Knight, where the car’s aesthetic perfectly match the sci-fi vibes.
The brand’s unmistakeable features – like the low-slung silhouette and gullwing doors – are immediately recognizable.
McLaren and celebrity culture
The allure of McLaren celebrity cars is undeniable.
A-listers have embraced McLaren as the ultimate status symbol.
Rapper Post Malone has been spotted cruising in a McLaren 720S, its bold orange hue matching his larger-than-life persona.
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, a ‘newly-minted’ billionaire, reportedly owns a McLaren Senna, a tribute to the brand’s racing heritage.
Actors like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who starred alongside McLarens in Fast & Furious, further amplify the brand’s star power.
Owning a McLaren supercar signals more than wealth, but also a synergy between red-carpet events, celebrity culture and supercar ownership, turning heads from Dubai to Monaco to Beverly Hills and Miami.
The P1 and 720S are icons in the spotlight
For different reasons, but the McLaren P1 and McLaren 720S are two of the best possible examples of how McLaren stands out as a pop culture titan.
The P1, a hybrid hypercar introduced in 2013, redefined performance with its 903 horsepower and Formula 1-inspired technology.
And, lest we forget, this is the spiritual successor to the legendary F1.
Its rarity – only 375 units were produced – has made it a legend among collectors as well.
The McLaren 720S, by contrast, is one of the best modern McLarens money can buy.
With 710 horsepower and a 0-60MPH time of just 2.8 seconds, it is also one of the fastest supercars available in the world.
It’s just as ready for social media as it is for the track.
McLaren in the world of fashion and social media
McLaren’s influence extends into fashion and lifestyle branding, where its supercars also serve as a style statement.
In high-end fashion shoots, a McLaren supercar often plays the role of a glamorous prop, its sleek design complementing couture outfits.
Brands like Louis Vuitton and Versace have featured McLarens in campaigns, leveraging the car’s aesthetic to match LV’s appeal. exclusivity.
And it goes further.
Because hashtags like #McLarenLife #McLaren are two of the most used and popular hashtags across different social networks, especially Instagram, often associated with the hashtag, ‘SupercarGoals’.
Usually captioning a picture of a McLaren parked against urban skylines or desert backdrops.
Last but certainly not least.
McLaren partnered up with Richard Mille, a luxury watch manufacturer and designer with excellent social presence, and a portfolio of brand ambassadors that must be seen to be believed – from Lewis Hamilton to Rafa Nadal and movie icons like Jackie Chan.
The legacy of the McLaren F1 in pop culture
The McLaren F1 is arguably one of the most iconic and definitely one of the most valuable supercars ever built.
Launched in 1992, the McLaren F1 held the title of the world’s fastest production car, with a top speed of 240.1MPH, for aa very long time.
Only 106 were built, and it’s a collector’s dream, with auction prices soaring past $20 million.
Its influence in McLaren pop culture is profound, appearing in everything from Need for Speed games to Jay Leno’s Garage and even rap music videos.
Its minimalist design and central driving position set it apart, and it still remains a benchmark for supercars.
From track to city streets: why McLaren design resonates
McLaren’s design philosophy is certainly a huge contributor the the brand’s pop culture.
Models like the McLaren 570S and 720S often feature vivid colors like Volcano Orange that make them stand out against any backdrop.
This track-to-street connection resonates with car lovers because it means it appeals to both people who love supercars for their ‘wow’ effect, as well as people who love them purely because of how fast they can be.
From the silver screen to celebrity garages, McLaren has transcended its racetrack origins to become a cultural phenomenon.
Whether it’s the McLaren in Fast and Furious, the iconic McLaren P1, or the social media darling McLaren 720S, these supercars are more than vehicles.
Explore McLaren auctions and discover the thrill of a McLaren supercar for yourself.
