Pickup truck donated by former McLaren F1 team manager aids Ukraine defence efforts

A long-standing Maidenhead resident and former McLaren double world championship winning Formula One team manager has donated a pickup truck which is aiding in defence efforts in Ukraine.

The vehicle, donated by Alastair Caldwell, was filmed in Kyiv defending the city from Russian drones on the night of Tuesday, September 2.

In the video, the vehicle, supplied via Oxfordshire-based organisation Driving Ukraine, can be seen with the Irpin Unit of the Kyiv Air Defence Forces, positioned with the mobile fire group to identify, track and neutralise incoming Russian drones headed for Kyiv.

The vehicle, identified as Hilux FG11 ZGR, was delivered to Ukraine in July, as part of the 45th convoy from Driving Ukraine, which was joined by Alastair.

He said: “We actually took it there, and they had their own workshop there, because they have so many vehicles, and they immediately painted it camouflage, overnight.

“We dropped it off at seven in the evening. The next morning, it was all done in camouflage, and they were modifying it to take a big machine gun on the back.”

The 82-year-old has lived in Maidenhead for almost 60 years, and after working as a mechanic at McLaren, he ‘rapidly rose’ to become the team manager and was in the role from 1973 to 1980.

He said: “In that time [we] won the world championship twice – once in 1974...with Emerson Fittipaldi and the second time was James Hunt in 1976, which is very much in people’s memories because this was an incredibly exciting year that made Grand Prix racing really interesting.”

Alastair has been a ‘consistent supporter’ of Driving Ukraine since its establishment.

During the trip, Alastair was awarded a golden medal by Lviv City Council in recognition of his support to Ukraine.

He said it was ‘very nice of them’ to award him the medal.

Around two years ago, Alastair decided to ‘thin down’ his car collection and put four cars up for auction at Goodwood.

In total, the cars fetched £110,000 and he split the sum, donating £55,000 to Thames Hospice and £55,000 to Driving Ukraine.

“That was good. They were pleased and so was I,” Alastair added.

“I’ve since given them more money.

“I’ve also supported Driving Ukraine by giving them another £10,000, I think, to buy drones.”

The organisation was founded by Oxfordshire resident Fynn Watt.

Since 2022, it has raised £1.6million, mobilised more than 1,500 volunteers and delivered more than 240 vehicles.

The organisation’s efforts have been recognised by King Charles III and senior Ukrainian leaders, including General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and Kyrylo Budanov.

Fynn said: “Since the beginning, Driving Ukraine has been about action, not standing and watching.

“Alastair’s career and life was about action and he brought that to us, his support shows how one person’s commitment can ripple outward, from Maidenhead to Kyiv, protecting entire cities.

“This vehicle represents our mission, turning generosity and courage to do what’s right into life-saving action.”

Alastair added: “I supported them right from the start.

“[I was] a very early contributor, and have been, and I’m happy to keep supporting them.

“It’s a very good organisation, and the Ukrainians need support.”