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McLaren Racing Takes Over London Buses with Papaya Power

by Edward Whitmore
11 July 2025

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Bringing the Track to Trafalgar: McLaren’s Big London Moment

McLaren Racing didn’t just arrive in London—they roared into it. In the run-up to the 2025 British Grand Prix, the iconic motorsport brand launched a head-turning campaign that transformed the capital’s red buses into sleek, papaya-coloured race statements. With “Never Stop Racing” as the mantra and Trafalgar Square as the starting line, the city became an open-air pit lane of excitement.

Racing Hearts and Wrapping Buses

To build hype for the two-day McLaren Racing Live: London fan event, the team partnered with Global to wrap a fleet of London buses in McLaren’s unmistakable papaya orange. The result? Moving billboards that couldn’t be missed. From Oxford Street to Shoreditch, the streets buzzed with F1 energy—reminding commuters and tourists alike that racing isn’t just for the track.

Bus advertising formats like full bus wraps have long been the secret weapon of iconic campaigns. But when you combine high-frequency routes with the world’s most recognisable racing colours? That’s a media pole position. These buses didn’t just carry passengers—they carried the McLaren spirit.

The Fan Zone That Fuelled the Buzz

As the branded buses zipped across London, Trafalgar Square was transformed into McLaren’s home away from the paddock. Fans flocked to experience live DJ sets, race car displays, driver interviews, simulators, and even a cheeky bit of merch hunting. And those same bus wraps? They didn’t just advertise the event—they amplified it. Fans snapped photos, shared stories, and followed the papaya trail straight to the square.

McLaren Papaya Buses in London - Full Bus Wrap - London Bus Advertising


Why Brands Like McLaren Choose Bus Advertising

It’s simple: reach, recall, and resonance. London’s bus network delivers over 2.5 billion passenger journeys per year. That’s a lot of eyeballs. Whether it’s bus sides, rears, or full takeovers, bus ads grab attention in high-footfall areas, creating buzz both offline and online. For McLaren, it wasn’t just about ads—it was about owning the city.

Design That Dares to Drive

A campaign like this doesn’t just happen—it’s designed to win. At London Bus Advertising, our design services team ensures every wrap, sticker, and panel looks sharp, on-brand, and high-impact. McLaren’s papaya pop? A design dream with a checkered-flag finish.

Revving Up for Your Brand? You’re on the Right Track.

If McLaren can transform London into an F1 fan zone on wheels, imagine what your brand can do. Whether you’re after a bold wrap, a sleek bus side, or a full interior takeover, our team can help you cross the finish line with flair. Explore our full format options or browse our campaign gallery for more inspiration.

Ready to Put Your Brand in the Fast Lane?

Let’s turn London into your racetrack. Contact us today to plan your next high-impact campaign. Whether you're selling cars, coffee, or cat food—we’ll make sure the city sees it, remembers it, and talks about it.

London Bus Advertising – Always in motion. Always making noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about London Bus Advertising? We have the answers. Below are some of the most common questions.

If you need more details book a call or reach out to our team.

What is bus advertising, and why use it?

Bus advertising uses exterior or interior spaces on London’s iconic buses to display marketing messages. It’s a powerful out-of-home format, offering high visibility across diverse demographics in high-traffic areas—especially in London’s bustling streets.

How do I know if advertising on London buses is right for my business?

If you want to raise brand awareness, target a large urban audience, or reach commuters and tourists on the go, bus advertising can be incredibly effective. Whether you’re a local enterprise or a global brand, London’s red buses are a powerful tool for achieving standout presence in the capital’s vibrant landscape.

How much does bus advertising cost?

Costs vary depending on factors like campaign length, bus format (e.g., full wrap vs. interior panels), and the routes you choose. Our expert team provides bespoke quotes to match your budget and marketing goals.

How do I measure the success of a bus ad campaign?

Key performance indicators for bus advertising campaigns include brand awareness uplift, increased website traffic, coupon redemption rates, QR code interactions, and social media activity. We also offer comprehensive post-campaign analysis, including surveys and analytics, to accurately measure campaign recall and impact.

Are there any restrictions on the types of ads or messages I can display?

All advertisements must adhere to Transport for London regulations and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing. Content deemed offensive or misleading is prohibited. Our experienced team will guide you through all applicable regulations to ensure your campaign runs smoothly.

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