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McLaren Race Car Replaces Navigation Arrow

Google Maps Gets a Formula 1 Makeover

An orange and black Formula 1 race car from McLaren is seen from the side on a racetrack. The vehicle speeds along gray asphalt, adorned with several sponsor logos on its body and rear wing. The tires feature colored markings on the rims. In the background, grandstands filled with numerous spectators appear blurred due to the car's motion and a long exposure time. Guardrails and track boundaries run in front of the stands.
In Google Maps, a McLaren Formula 1 car can replace the traditional navigation arrow upon request. Photo: AFP via Getty Images
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October 7, 2026, 3:12 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

Google Maps is adding an unusual extra to its navigation. Instead of the familiar position arrow, a McLaren Formula 1 car can now drive across the map if desired.

The blue arrow has been one of the most recognizable elements of Google Maps for years. It shows the current position during navigation and moves with the user across the map. Now, Google is expanding the selection with a much more eye-catching alternative.

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As part of the collaboration with the McLaren Formula 1 team, a new driving avatar appears. When the feature is activated, users will no longer see the standard arrow during navigation but a Formula 1 car from the racing team. The vehicle only changes the map display; the actual navigation functions remain unchanged.

How to activate the McLaren

The selection of the new vehicle is made directly during an ongoing navigation. Tapping on the navigation arrow or the currently displayed vehicle icon opens the available displays. The McLaren race car can then be selected there.

Screenshot of a selection view for driver avatars. At the top is the text 'Select Driver Avatar,' with a button featuring an X symbol on the right. In the center, an orange-black McLaren Formula 1 race car is visible on a marked selection area. To the right, part of the front of a white car is visible, and to the left, a blue navigation arrow icon. Below the race car is the 'McLaren Racing' logo. Below that is the note: 'Get the official team avatar for the United States Grand Prix – available until November 23, 2026.'
The Formula 1 car is only available until November 23

The new feature is not only available on smartphones. The vehicle icon can also be displayed on the car’s infotainment system via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Limited-time offer

According to current information, Google is rolling out the new icon gradually. Therefore, the feature may not be immediately available on all devices. A separate app update does not seem to be strictly necessary for this.

However, the virtual race car is not intended to be permanent. The offer is only available for a limited time and ends on November 23, 2026. So, if you want to try navigation in a Formula 1 style, you shouldn’t wait too long.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.

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