Google Maps can now turn your boring driving icon into a McLaren F1 car
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Google Maps has introduced a new driving avatar—a McLaren F1 car—available through the app’s Settings > Your vehicles > Driving avatar menu. The limited‑time icon celebrates the United States Grand Prix and can be selected until November 23, 2026, after which it will be removed. Users can replace the default blue arrow with the high‑performance car, which appears on the map during turn‑by‑turn navigation. The feature is part of Google’s broader customization options that already include various vehicle types and colors. Rollout appears to be server‑side; the avatar is visible on an iPhone running the latest Maps version but has not yet appeared on some Android devices, suggesting a staggered release.
💡 Why It Matters
- · The partnership showcases Google’s strategy of leveraging major sporting events to boost user engagement with its navigation platform.
