F1 News: McLaren Pays Tribute To Team Member In Emotional Gesture

What a way to bid farewell to a friend and team member.

McLaren paid tribute to its "dear teammate and friend" Martin Kemp who passed away last month, by placing his name on both its MCL60 F1 cars in Austin during the United States Grand Prix weekend. 

The race on the Circuit Of The Americas is set to take place today with the top three positions looking rather unconventional with the absence of a Red Bull F1 car. They include Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, McLaren driver Lando Norris, and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton in the same order.

McLaren posted an image yesterday on the social media platform X of Martin Kemp's decal well-placed on its F1 car. The late team member had been a part of the organization for 22 long years where he played an important role in the Composite Machining team. The post stated:

"This weekend we will pay tribute to our dear teammate and friend, Martin Kemp, who sadly passed away last month.

"Martin had been at McLaren for nearly 22 years and was a key member of our Composite Machining team.

"To pay our respects, both MCL60 race cars will carry his name at this weekend's

#USGP

. Rest in peace, Martin."

This weekend we will pay tribute to our dear teammate and friend, Martin Kemp, who sadly passed away last month.

Martin had been at McLaren for nearly 22 years and was a key member of our Composite Machining team.

To pay our respects, both MCL60 race cars will carry his name… pic.twitter.com/ZlbofrODAO

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) October 21, 2023

This isn't the first time McLaren planned a thoughtful farewell to its long-serving employee. The company is known to value its team members' contributions. Back in September 2020, the team paid tribute to Ray 'Tex' Rowe during his retirement. 

He offered his services to the organization for 55 years and is officially the longest-serving team member in the company's history, being listed as employee number eight in the company's records. 

Recognising the incredible achievements of our longest serving team member, Ray 'Tex' Rowe. 🤝

Tex, who is listed as employee number eight in McLaren’s records, has decided to retire from McLaren Racing after an incredible 55 years of service. pic.twitter.com/QuQWF1OIMt

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 4, 2020

What adds more to Martin Kemp's tribute is the way McLaren has been upping its pace and fighting for a position in the front. Though Lando Norris missed the Sprint Race podium by a second, the front-row start in P2 for the GP could yield desirable results.

F1 News: McLaren Takes Huge Sustainable Step Forward For Austin GP