Bruce McLaren's grave vandalised as police open inquiry ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix

The graves of McLaren founder Bruce McLaren, his wife Patricia, and his parents Ruth and Les at Auckland's Waikumete Cemetery have been vandalised, the Bruce McLaren Trust has confirmed. The headstones were sprayed with gold paint and toy cars were stuck to them.

“It is with dismay that we need to inform our followers that the graves of Bruce, Patty, Ruth and Pop at Waikumete Cemetery in Auckland have recently been vandalised,” the trust confirmed. 

“They have been sprayed with gold paint and had toy cars stuck onto them. We are lost for words as to why anyone would do this.

“A very kind offer has been made by The Grave Guardians, a voluntary organisation that restores headstones to repair the damage, for which we are extremely grateful. While this work is being undertaken, the stones are wrapped and unable to be viewed.”

New Zealand police have reported that an inquiry has been launched as of 5 November, with them appealing for information from the public. The cemetery has confirmed that security cameras were live at the suspected time of the incident, but due to the size of the area, they may not be of help to the authorities. 

This comes after damage to the graves was seen in September, with a protective cover, applied as repair work was carried out, being removed on one occasion. 

Volunteers from The Grave Guardians are kind enough to be assisting in the restoration of the graves. 

This comes ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend at Interlagos, where McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue to fight for the drivers' championship as the former leads by a single point after the constructor confirmed the 2025 championship at the Singapore Grand Prix. 

"It’s great to be able to come together and celebrate the success that we have achieved as a team," McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said at the time. "We can also take this moment to reflect on the papaya era of McLaren, which began in 2018 but truly came into full force in 2023.

“To have been able to achieve one of the biggest turnarounds in Formula 1 history is something everyone can be proud of. Since the beginning of this era, we’ve celebrated 18 Pole positions, 19 victories, 67 podiums and nine 1-2 finishes, while also delivering back-to-back constructors’ championships.

“This success is down to the culture and unity that drives this team alongside the valued support of our incredible fans and partners. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey together.”