McLaren sparks Ayrton Senna livery rumours with Sega-themed Miami GP poster

Motorsport photo

McLaren's promotional poster for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, designed by illustrator Matt Taylor, has left fans excited for a potential special livery for the upcoming Florida race.

Some eagle-eyed fans believe that the design hints at a retro, Sega-inspired livery paying tribute to Ayrton Senna's legendary 1993 win at Donington Park.

Within the design, which features the MCL40, Sonic the Hedgehog and the iconic gold rings from the retro game franchse, fans spotted the silhouette of the McLaren MP4/8, which Senna drove during the 1993 season.

Sega was the title sponsor of the 1993 European Grand Prix held at Donington Park. While the Japanese gaming giant sponsored the rival Williams team that year, Senna dominated the race after going from fifth to first on the opening lap. During the podium ceremony, Senna received a Sega Sonic trophy.

"Sonic special livery coming?" one fan commented in reaction to the Woking outfit's Miami Grand Prix poster, while another added: "McLaren X Sonic special livery PLEASE I BEG."

"I love the nod to Donington '93 on the left (which was sponsored by Sega, with Senna getting a Sonic trophy for winning)," another fan posted.

As many fans pointed to a Sega-themed livery for the upcoming race in Florida, some urged the collaboration to result in the McLaren F1 car and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri featured in the Sonic Racing Crossworlds game.

"They better be adding a version of the McLaren Formula 1 car to Sonic Racing Crossworlds," someone else posted, and another fan wrote: "ADD LANDO NORRIS AND OSCAR PIASTRI TO SONIC RACING CROSSWORLDS ALREADY YOU COWARDS."

While the special livery has not been confirmed, Sonic serves as McLaren's official gaming partner, and the race at Hard Rock Stadium will mark the team's 1000th F1 grand prix.