McLaren don Chrome F1 livery to give them the Edge in America

As the season enters its final stretch, McLaren has emerged as the team to beat, with high expectations resting on their shoulders for this Grand Prix which they will tackle with a special [Google] Chrome livery for America.

Currently leading the Constructors' standings, McLaren boasts an edge over Red Bull Racing, thanks to stellar performances from drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both of whom have showcased tremendous synergy with the MCL38 car. The McLaren machine has proved to be a formidable asset, putting the team in a strong position to challenge Red Bull’s dominance.

In the Drivers' Championship, Lando Norris sits in second place, trailing Red Bull’s reigning champion, Max Verstappen, by 52 points. With six races remaining, including this weekend’s Sprint Race at COTA, Norris remains McLaren’s best hope for a title charge, as the pressure mounts to close the gap. The upcoming Grand Prix will be crucial for both the team and Norris, as additional points are on the line with the Sprint Race format in place.

Ahead of COTA, McLaren has announced the return of their fan-favorite Chrome livery for the United States Grand Prix. In partnership with Google, McLaren will run the updated chrome design, reminiscent of their racing history.

This modernized livery, first reintroduced at the 2023 British Grand Prix, symbolizes the team’s longstanding legacy and commitment to innovation, both in technology and design. The chrome accents will also be seen on the race suits of Norris and Piastri, amplifying excitement for the Texas crowd.

Norris eis pumped: “I love going to Austin. The vibe is always incredible, and I really enjoy racing there, especially with the cool Chrome livery we have this weekend. It’s a great race to start the final leg of the season after a few weeks off. It’s also a Sprint weekend, which means there are more points on the table.”

Oscar Piastri, who has been an impressive addition to the McLaren team, emphasised the importance of continuing the team’s momentum: “It’s great to be back racing after a short break... We’ve built up some incredible momentum now, so it’s just about continuing to consistently execute good results from our side.”

The United States Grand Prix marks the beginning of an intense triple-header of races, with the F1 circus heading next to Mexico and Brazil. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the significance of this phase of the season: “We’re only six races away from the end of the season but there are still a lot of points on the table.

"Many teams will be bringing updates in these final races, so we expect some close competition, but as always, we keep our heads down, focus on ourselves and look to consistently deliver points in our quest for both titles," reckoned Stella

McLaren has indeed been on a roll this season. Their steady climb to the top of the Constructors' standings is a testament to their meticulous preparation, strong technical advancements, and a reinvigorated driver lineup. Norris, in particular, has been in superb form, often rivalling Verstappen on the track, while Piastri has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and growth in his debut F1 season.

The upcoming Sprint Race in Austin adds another layer of intrigue to the weekend, with 2024 marking the introduction of more Sprint weekends across the calendar. The format, which sees drivers compete in a shorter race on Saturday to set the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix, has been widely praised for its unpredictability and the extra opportunity it provides to shake up the standings.

As the countdown to the season finale ticks away, McLaren finds itself in a prime position to challenge Red Bull’s dominance. The gap between Norris and Verstappen in the Drivers' Championship may be significant, but with 52 points still up for grabs across the remaining Sprint Races, anything is possible. Meanwhile, in the Constructors' standings, McLaren’s steady accumulation of points has brought them within striking distance of the title.

This weekend at COTA could be pivotal in shaping the 2024 season’s outcome. With a rejuvenated McLaren team, iconic Chrome livery on display, and the competitive fire of Norris and Piastri, all eyes will be on Austin as the race for the title heats up.

As Norris aptly put it: “Let’s show Texas what we can do.”