F1's 75-year legacy takes centre stage at 2025 Monterey Motorsports Reunion

The Monterey Motorsports Reunion will throw open its gates this weekend with one of the richest collections of historic Formula 1 machinery ever assembled.

As part of a celebration of Formula 1’s 75th anniversary, the event will see dozens of race and title-winning F1 cars on display, and many of them back on track at Laguna Seca.

The festival will feature both running race grids and static exhibitions that trace the championship’s evolution from the 1960s through the turbo era and beyond.

More than two dozen non-turbo, 12-cylinder-era cars are set to run in the Mario Andretti Trophy, while upwards of 30 F1 machines are expected to appear across paddock displays and demonstrations.

It means spectators will see everything from mid-1960s breakthroughs to 1970s flat-12 beasts, all gathered on Laguna Seca’s famous undulations.

The exhibit marks the first time many of these cars have been displayed together in one place.

The collection features models ranging from the 1956 Maserati 250F, thee 1966 Eagle Mk I or the 1967 Lotus Type 49, to more modern machinery like the 2024 constructors’ championship-winning McLaren MCL38.

“The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is the premier showcase for authentic, original, period-correct race cars and it is an incredible honour to host an official celebration for the 75th anniversary of Formula 1,” said Mel Harder, Laguna Seca president and general manager.

“It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see this jaw-dropping collection of cars and F1 history.”

The event runs from 13 to 16 August and features a packed schedule including historic racing, paddock displays and auctions.

Five cars to watch out for at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion

1956 Maserati 250F

The quintessential front-engine grand prix car, famed for its balance and beauty, and immortalised by Stirling Moss’s 1956 Italian GP victory at Monza. It’s one of the most iconic machines from F1’s pre-mid-engined era.

1965 Honda RA272

Honda’s first F1 winner and the car that gave Goodyear its debut victory in the sport. Richie Ginther’s triumph in Mexico remains a milestone in both Japanese and tyre-supplier history.

1967 Lotus Type 49

The car introduced the Cosworth DFV and revolutionising F1 car design. Jim Clark’s wins in the Dutch, British and US GPs that year cemented its legend.

1978 Lotus Type 79

The first true ground-effect F1 car. Mario Andretti took five wins in 1978 — including two in this very chassis — en route to the world title.

1988 McLaren MP4/4

Statistically the most dominant F1 car ever, winning 15 of 16 races in 1988. This particular chassis was driven by Alain Prost to seven wins in his title fight with Ayrton Senna.