Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe
Autosport Plus

From refugee to F1, via McDonald’s

Michael Latifi had a solid connection to the higher echelons of motorsport and has supported his son Nicholas to the fringes of Formula 1. But now, as a principal McLaren shareholder, he has become one of the championship's major players

He first earned a wage flipping burgers in McDonald's, and now he owns a slice of the McLaren Group - Michael Latifi has had a remarkable journey.

He left his native Iran for Canada as a teenager and built up a hugely successful food business, tapping into his wealth to support the racing career of son Nicholas. In May, it was announced that the 55-year-old had pumped £203.8million into McLaren, joining Mansour Ojjeh and the Bahraini royal family as a principal shareholder.

Previous article The support series tech that could save F1
Next article Perez expects imminent 2019 Force India deal now team future secure

More from Adam Cooper

Vowles: Current F1 regulations not a failure despite dirty air issue

Vowles: Current F1 regulations not a failure despite dirty air issue

F1 Formula 1
McLaren Imola March testing
Vowles: Current F1 regulations not a failure despite dirty air issue Vowles: Current F1 regulations not a failure despite dirty air issue
Aston Martin: "Old fox" Alonso brings F1 value beyond pure performance

Aston Martin: "Old fox" Alonso brings F1 value beyond pure performance

F1 Formula 1
Aston Martin: "Old fox" Alonso brings F1 value beyond pure performance Aston Martin: "Old fox" Alonso brings F1 value beyond pure performance
F1 set to abandon possible switch to 16-inch wheels for 2026

F1 set to abandon possible switch to 16-inch wheels for 2026

F1 Formula 1
F1 set to abandon possible switch to 16-inch wheels for 2026 F1 set to abandon possible switch to 16-inch wheels for 2026
Mercedes planning Melbourne “experiments” with W15 F1 car

Mercedes planning Melbourne “experiments” with W15 F1 car

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Mercedes planning Melbourne “experiments” with W15 F1 car Mercedes planning Melbourne “experiments” with W15 F1 car
Alonso: Aston Martin F1 car still "two or three tenths" off McLaren, Mercedes

Alonso: Aston Martin F1 car still "two or three tenths" off McLaren, Mercedes

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Alonso: Aston Martin F1 car still "two or three tenths" off McLaren, Mercedes Alonso: Aston Martin F1 car still "two or three tenths" off McLaren, Mercedes
Ocon: Racing F1 rivals showed Alpine weaknesses

Ocon: Racing F1 rivals showed Alpine weaknesses

F1 Formula 1
Ocon: Racing F1 rivals showed Alpine weaknesses Ocon: Racing F1 rivals showed Alpine weaknesses
Vasseur downplays future Ferrari F1 chance for Bearman

Vasseur downplays future Ferrari F1 chance for Bearman

F1 Formula 1
Saudi Arabian GP
Vasseur downplays future Ferrari F1 chance for Bearman Vasseur downplays future Ferrari F1 chance for Bearman
The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top

The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe