McLaren hope new livery will be big in Japan and Singapore

Paul Velasco 2 min read

mclaren livery japan singapore f1-001

Since they got their act together, McLaren are a team on the boil, frontrunners on most Grand Prix weekends and for the next two races- Singapore and Japan – they have a special livery as they seek an elusive but tantalisingly close victory

The cars are now predominantly black with orange flashes and piping, as are the driver race suits dubbed Stealth Mode. But liveries don’t win races, but it has to be said the all-black look (made famous by JPS first and later by Mercedes and their Black Arrows) always has a place in Formula 1.

Like the best-looking cars, the best-looking liveries are those that win! While Red Bull are cleaning up with their beautiful RB19, it can be said McLaren have run them closest on occasion.

Hoping that qualy pace will translate to race pace and leading the McLaren charge, Norris said in the team preview of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix: “I’m really excited to be returning to Singapore. It’s one of the most exciting tracks on the calendar, but also one of the more physically demanding.

“Our car looks really cool with a limited-edition Stealth Mode livery design, so I’m looking forward to getting out on track. Last week I was back at the MTC with my engineers going over our performance and result in Monza. We keep moving forward and hope to keep consistently finishing in the points.”

Sure to be in his mirrors and pushing him hard, despite it being his first GP at Marina Bay Circuit, will be rookie teammate Piastri. The young Australian living upto the hype and more.

Piastri: I’m really looking forward to making my debut at the Marina Bay Street Circuit

piastri singapore race suit F1 mclaren

He said ahead of the weekend: “I’ve always enjoyed watching the Singapore GP, so I’m really looking forward to making my debut at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. I spent time in the sim last week learning as much as I can, but as a rookie, it’s a track that you really need to physically drive to gain the experience.

“Singapore offers some tricky conditions, especially with the high humidity. It’s a new challenge for me, so that’s something I’ve been preparing for as well. It can be a race of jeopardy, and anything can happen as we’ve seen before.

“The car has a slightly different livery for this doubleheader, which I really like. Hopefully, we come back with a nice result. I’m ready for the weekend!”

From the team perspective, McLaren F1 boss Andrea Stella added: “We race in unique conditions at the Singapore Grand Prix, with high humidity and an offset schedule adding an additional challenge for our team and drivers.

“From a performance point of view, we’ve been working hard on our development of the MCL60 and look to continue this positive momentum as we head into the final third of the season.”

McLaren are fifth on the 2023 F1 Contractors’ standings on 115 points, while Norris is 8th in the drivers’ table with 79 points, with Piastri is 12th on 36 points.