The McLaren Formula 1 team has revealed a striking new livery named Riviera, set to grace its MCL39 cars during the Monaco and Spanish Grands Prix. Crafted in collaboration with its principal partner, OKX, this one-of-a-kind design draws inspiration from the sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline while paying homage to the storied legacy of the Woking-based racing outfit.
The Riviera livery is more than just a visual refresh—it’s a tribute to the iconic McLaren M7A, the team’s first Formula 1 race car to secure a victory in 1968, driven by founder Bruce McLaren. That legendary single-seater introduced the now-signature papaya hue, a color that has become synonymous with the brand’s identity over five decades later.
A Nod to Heritage with Modern Flair
The official unveiling took place aboard a luxury yacht docked in the heart of Monaco Harbor, symbolizing both the elegance of the Riviera lifestyle and McLaren’s deep connection to this glamorous circuit. Among the most distinctive features of the new design are white medallions mounted on the rear and upper sections of the chassis. These elegant circular elements incorporate the race numbers of drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, mirroring the classic styling cues of the original M7A.
This special livery reinforces McLaren’s tradition of honoring its past through unique race weekend liveries—particularly in Monaco, where heritage and prestige converge. In 2023, the team celebrated its 60th anniversary with a Triple Crown-inspired design, referencing victories at the Indianapolis 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The year before, a vibrant yellow scheme paid tribute to Ayrton Senna, while in 2021, fans were treated to a nostalgic return of the iconic Gulf Oil blue-and-orange livery.
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Celebrating Innovation and Legacy
Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Racing, emphasized the emotional significance of blending legacy with innovation:
“We always feel a special pride in celebrating our illustrious heritage. This collaboration with OKX on this livery allows us not only to highlight our heritage but also the innovative spirit that characterizes both of our brands. I can't wait to see the cars on track during the next two race weekends.”
The partnership with OKX goes beyond sponsorship—it represents a shared philosophy of pushing boundaries. As Formula 1 evolves with cutting-edge technology and global appeal, so too does the digital finance landscape. Haider Rafique, Chief Marketing Officer at OKX, highlighted this synergy:
“F1 has undergone major transformations over the years, from technological advancements to the recent explosion of its popularity. The mindset of this sport has evolved into an attitude that constantly seeks to push boundaries. This perfectly resonates with our mission to disrupt conventional approaches to finance. The Riviera livery symbolizes this transformation and the elegance that characterizes both OKX and McLaren.”
Drivers Dressed for Success
Adding to the cohesive theme, both Norris and Piastri will wear specially designed race suits that match the Riviera livery during the Monaco Grand Prix. The synchronized look underscores McLaren’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a unified brand experience across every touchpoint—from car design to driver presentation.
At the time of launch, McLaren leads the constructors’ championship by an impressive 132 points, showcasing their competitive edge early in the season. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri holds a narrow advantage over teammate Lando Norris by 13 points and sits 22 points ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings—a promising position heading into two pivotal European races.
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Why This Livery Matters Beyond Aesthetics
While many F1 liveries serve as temporary aesthetic updates, the Riviera design carries deeper meaning. It bridges decades of racing excellence with forward-thinking innovation—a balance central to modern motorsport success. By revisiting its roots with the M7A inspiration, McLaren reinforces brand continuity while signaling adaptability in an era defined by rapid change.
Moreover, this release coincides with OKX’s strategic expansion into the European market, aligning high-performance technology with elite motorsport visibility. The timing amplifies mutual exposure, positioning both brands at the forefront of innovation in their respective fields.
Core Keywords:
- McLaren F1 livery
- Riviera livery
- OKX partnership
- Monaco Grand Prix
- MCL39 design
- Formula 1 heritage
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did McLaren choose the name “Riviera” for this livery?
A: The name “Riviera” reflects the glamorous Mediterranean coastline—particularly associated with Monaco—where luxury, speed, and elegance converge. It also ties into the coastal inspiration behind the design’s clean lines and refined color palette.
Q: Which past McLaren car inspired the Riviera livery?
A: The livery takes direct inspiration from the McLaren M7A, the team’s first F1 race car to win a Grand Prix in 1968. Key design elements like the white medallions with driver numbers echo those seen on the original vehicle.
Q: Will the Riviera livery be used beyond Monaco and Barcelona?
A: No, this is a limited-edition design intended exclusively for the Monaco and Spanish Grands Prix, consistent with McLaren’s tradition of introducing special liveries for select events.
Q: Are Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri wearing special gear to match?
A: Yes, both drivers will wear custom-designed race suits coordinated with the Riviera livery during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
Q: What does OKX bring to this collaboration?
A: As McLaren’s principal partner, OKX contributes not only financial support but also technological synergy. The partnership highlights innovation in digital finance and aligns with F1’s tech-forward evolution.
Q: How is McLaren performing in the 2025 season so far?
A: Entering these European rounds, McLaren leads the constructors’ championship by 132 points. Oscar Piastri currently outpaces Lando Norris by 13 points and leads Max Verstappen by 22 points in the drivers’ standings—a strong indication of their early-season dominance.
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