McLaren, one of the most iconic and successful teams in Formula 1 history, has announced a major visual and historical tribute ahead of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. The reigning Constructors’ Champions will debut a special heritage livery on their MCL39 chassis in Monte Carlo this weekend — a design inspired by the legendary M7A, the car that delivered founder Bruce McLaren his first Formula 1 victory at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix.
This striking design, developed in collaboration with team sponsor OKX, will not only grace the streets of Monaco but will also be carried over to the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, marking a two-race celebration of McLaren’s rich legacy and pioneering spirit.
A Dominant 2025 Season So Far
Entering the Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren sits firmly atop the Constructors’ Championship with a commanding 132-point lead. The team has won five out of the first seven races of the 2025 season, showcasing both technical excellence and strategic consistency.
At the driver level, Lando Norris leads the Drivers’ Championship, with teammate Oscar Piastri just 13 points behind. This intra-team rivalry has added an extra layer of excitement to McLaren’s dominant campaign, as both drivers continue to push each other to peak performance.
👉 Discover how top F1 teams leverage innovation and partnerships for racing success.
Honoring Legacy: The M7A-Inspired Livery
The special livery pays direct homage to the McLaren M7A — a car synonymous with breakthrough success. Bruce McLaren drove the papaya-and-white machine to victory at Spa-Francorchamps in 1968, marking the team’s maiden win in Formula 1. The new design reintroduces this classic color scheme with modern refinements, blending vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge aerodynamics.
This isn’t the first time McLaren has celebrated its heritage through unique liveries. In 2021, fans were treated to the beloved Gulf Oil blue-and-orange scheme, while 2023 saw the ‘Triple Crown’ livery commemorating McLaren’s victories across Formula 1, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Last year, the team honored Ayrton Senna with a vibrant yellow, green, and blue livery on the 30th anniversary of his passing — a tribute that resonated deeply with long-time followers of the sport.
Now, in 2025, the focus returns to origins — celebrating not just a car, but a moment that defined McLaren’s journey from underdog to powerhouse.
OKX Partnership: Innovation Meets Tradition
The livery project was brought to life through a close collaboration with OKX, McLaren’s long-term technology and innovation partner. The partnership reflects a shared ethos: honoring legacy while driving progress.
Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Racing, emphasized the significance of blending history with forward-thinking vision:
“We’re always proud to celebrate our storied legacy. Working with OKX on this latest livery enhancement is a great way to not only honor our past but also highlight the innovation and forward-thinking nature that inspires both brands. I can’t wait to see the cars on track over the next two race weekends.”
Haider Rafique, Chief Marketing Officer at OKX, echoed this sentiment, drawing parallels between F1’s evolution and the fintech industry’s rapid transformation:
“Formula 1 has undergone tremendous change — technologically, culturally, and fan engagement-wise. There’s a fearless drive to push boundaries. That aligns perfectly with our mission at OKX to challenge conventional thinking about finance. The Riviera livery symbolizes transformation, elegance, and innovation — values both our organizations embody.”
Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will also don special white race suits for the occasion, further unifying the team’s visual identity around this historic tribute.
👉 Explore how strategic brand collaborations are shaping the future of motorsport.
Why Monaco Matters for McLaren
The Monaco Grand Prix is more than just another race on the calendar — it’s a showcase of prestige, precision, and legacy. For McLaren, it holds particular significance. The team has secured eight victories in Monte Carlo, with legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost mastering its tight streets.
Monaco demands perfection: no room for error, no second chances. It’s a circuit where engineering excellence and driver nerve converge — a philosophy that defines McLaren’s approach in 2025.
Running a heritage livery here isn’t just symbolic; it’s a statement. It tells fans and competitors alike that while McLaren is leading the present, it remains deeply rooted in its past.
Looking Ahead: Barcelona and Beyond
After Monaco, the special livery will carry over to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix. This continuity allows global audiences to engage with the tribute across two high-profile European rounds.
Given Barcelona’s role as a traditional testing ground for F1 cars, the appearance of the heritage design against a backdrop of performance evaluation adds another layer of narrative depth — tradition meeting technology on track.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Norris and Piastri. Their head-to-head battle continues to be one of the most compelling subplots in F1 2025, combining mutual respect with fierce competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is McLaren using a special livery in 2025?
A: The special livery honors the M7A, the car that gave Bruce McLaren his first F1 victory in 1968. It celebrates the team’s origins and legacy during a dominant season.
Q: Will the heritage livery appear at other races?
A: The livery will be used at both the Monaco and Spanish Grands Prix before returning to the standard design.
Q: What do the colors represent?
A: The papaya and white scheme pays tribute to the original M7A’s look, symbolizing McLaren’s founding era and breakthrough success.
Q: Are Norris and Piastri using special gear?
A: Yes, both drivers will wear unique white race suits matching the livery theme for these two races.
Q: How has McLaren performed in F1 2025 so far?
A: Exceptionally well — they’ve won five of seven races and lead the Constructors’ Championship by 132 points.
Q: What role does OKX play in this initiative?
A: OKX collaborated on the livery design as part of their ongoing partnership with McLaren, emphasizing shared values of innovation and boundary-pushing.
McLaren’s 2025 Monaco Grand Prix livery is more than paint on carbon fiber — it’s a narrative in motion. A tribute to where they began, a celebration of where they are, and a bold signal of where they’re headed. As the MCL39 glides through the harbor tunnels of Monte Carlo in its retro-inspired guise, fans won’t just see a race car. They’ll witness a legacy in action.
With performance on track matching reverence for history off it, McLaren continues to set the pace — not just in points, but in purpose.