In one of the most bizarre and memorable car reveals of all time, the world famous ‘Spice Girls’ unveiled the 1997 McLaren MP4/12.
In the ’90s, the Spice Girls were arguably one of the most popular music groups in the world. Their popularity skyrocketed towards the end of the 20th century and they have been part of some iconic moments in history.
However, one crossover that many people didn’t expect was with F1 giants McLaren. Ahead of the 1997 Formula 1 season, the band that redefined ‘teen pop’ music attended the unveiling of the MP4/12.
It was the first time McLaren used its now iconic silver livery, having done away with the Marlboro red and white color scheme used since the days of Ayrton Senna-Alain Prost.
The Surrey-based team’s riders this year were Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard, both of whom were part of this event. ’96 was the year the legendary group released their hit “Wannabe.” McLaren saw it as a big marketing push that they advertise their drivers and their car.
‘Ginger Spice’ was one of the members of a British girl band. Today she is better known as Geri Horner, wife of Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
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An ‘awkward’ moment for the McLaren driver with wife Horner
Hakkinen and Coulthard took the stage after the Spice Girls unveiled their 1997 car. What followed can only be described as an extremely uncomfortable situation for the two drivers.
The Finn introduced himself on stage by kissing “Scary Spice” (Mel B) on both cheeks, followed by a series of “Woo” sounds from the girls. Coulthard seemed confident with a mic in front of himself, but the same couldn’t be said of Hakkinen.
“Ginger Spice” (Ms. Horner) was curious about what the racers wore under their suits. Without warning, they jokingly pounce on Hakkinen’s racing suit and appear to strip it off on stage.
The on-stage crossover was short-lived and Hakkinen seemed happy to be leaving as the legendary group of singers bid him and Coulthard goodbye.
Very soon the 2022 F1 cars will be unveiled as a new season approaches. We may see new and innovative ways in which teams present their cars. But certainly none will top the McLaren and Spice Girls collaboration of 1997.
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