The McLaren Formula 1 Team continued its remarkable resurgence with a stunning double podium finish at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri claimed second and third places respectively. Driving the MCL60 race car adorned in the sleek OKX Stealth Mode livery, the duo delivered a commanding performance at the iconic Suzuka International Racing Course—marking their second consecutive top-three result following Norris’ runner-up finish in Singapore.
This achievement underscores McLaren’s steady climb back to competitiveness in the 2023 F1 season. The papaya-and-black livery, co-designed by McLaren and OKX, not only turned heads on track but also symbolized a shared vision of innovation, precision, and forward momentum between the two partners.
A Breakthrough Weekend for McLaren
The Japanese Grand Prix proved pivotal for McLaren, with both drivers executing near-flawless race strategies. Norris, who has been in exceptional form throughout the season, maintained consistent pressure on race winner Max Verstappen, ultimately finishing just seconds behind.
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Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, celebrated his first-ever Formula 1 podium—a milestone moment in his rookie campaign. The young Australian driver showed maturity beyond his years, managing tire wear and defending his position with composure under pressure.
Together, Norris and Piastri secured McLaren’s first double podium of the season, reinforcing the team’s progress and signaling their growing threat to the front-runners.
The Significance of the OKX Stealth Mode Livery
The MCL60’s distinctive Stealth Mode livery made its debut during an exclusive media event in Singapore on September 13, attended by key figures from both organizations, including OKX Chief Marketing Officer Haider Rafique and McLaren Racing Executive Director Matt Dennington.
Featuring a minimalist black-and-papaya design, the livery strips away traditional branding in favor of a bold, modern aesthetic. Subtle yet powerful, it reflects the collaborative ethos between McLaren and OKX: a fusion of high-performance engineering and next-generation digital innovation.
Notably, the car carried the phrase “Accelerating Web3” on its rear wing—a clear nod to OKX’s mission to drive adoption of decentralized technologies. While the livery is temporary, its impact is lasting, blending motorsport excellence with forward-thinking branding.
Driver Reactions: Pride, Joy, and Ambition
Lando Norris expressed pride in the team’s collective effort, highlighting the significance of their upward trajectory.
“Another amazing day for us. A P2 and a P3, the team did an amazing job and I’m very proud of the steps forward we’re making every weekend. We’re getting there. The pace was extremely strong today. We’re not close to Max but we’re not miles away either, so it was a very good day and I’m very happy. Congratulations to Oscar, his first podium in Formula One, our first double podium together.”
For Oscar Piastri, the emotion was palpable. Achieving a podium in one’s debut F1 season is a rare feat, and the 22-year-old acknowledged the support that made it possible.
“This feels pretty special, and I’ll remember it for a long, long time. I can’t thank the team enough for giving me this opportunity… It wasn’t my best race ever, but it was enough to get a trophy. Our pace was strong, and I think in the second half of the race I got more into a rhythm. I’m super-happy and very excited to try and get some more.”
OKX Leadership Celebrates Partnership Success
Haider Rafique, CMO of OKX, praised the team’s performance and emphasized the synergy between technological advancement and elite motorsport.
"The whole McLaren F1 team did an incredible job tonight, and we're thrilled to see Oscar and Lando back on the podium again so soon after Singapore. The MCL60 in OKX Stealth Mode looked amazing on the track here in Suzuka, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds for McLaren."
As Official Primary Partner of the McLaren F1 Team, OKX continues to leverage the global reach of Formula 1 to promote awareness around digital asset innovation—without overshadowing the sport itself. The partnership remains rooted in mutual values: speed, precision, and relentless improvement.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
With momentum building, McLaren now sits firmly in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, closing the gap on Ferrari and eyeing a potential third-place finish by season’s end. Their improved aerodynamic efficiency and strategic race execution have translated into consistent points hauls—and now, podium finishes.
Moreover, having both drivers score podiums boosts internal morale and strengthens team cohesion. For Piastri, this breakthrough could be the spark that propels him into consistent contention over the final races.
👉 See how elite performance meets next-gen innovation—on and off the track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the OKX Stealth Mode livery?
A: The OKX Stealth Mode livery is a special design collaboration between McLaren and OKX, featuring a minimalist black-and-papaya color scheme with subtle branding. It debuted ahead of the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix and was used again at Suzuka.
Q: Was this Oscar Piastri’s first F1 podium?
A: Yes. The third-place finish at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix marked Oscar Piastri’s maiden Formula 1 podium in his rookie season.
Q: What does “Accelerating Web3” mean on the car?
A: It’s a branding message from OKX that highlights their mission to advance Web3 technologies such as blockchain, digital assets, and decentralized applications through high-visibility platforms like Formula 1.
Q: How many double podiums has McLaren achieved in 2023?
A: This was McLaren’s first double podium of the 2023 season, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing in second and third place at Suzuka.
Q: Is the Stealth Mode livery permanent?
A: No. The livery is a limited-edition design used for select races as part of the McLaren-OKX partnership campaign.
Q: What are McLaren’s chances for third in the Constructors’ Championship?
A: With improved performance and reliability in recent races, McLaren is narrowing the gap to Ferrari. If they maintain this form, a third-place finish is within reach.
As the F1 circus moves to the next destination, all eyes will be on McLaren to see if they can sustain this upward trajectory. With rising driver confidence, strategic partnership visibility, and technical upgrades paying dividends, the Woking-based team appears poised for a strong finish to 2023.
👉 Explore how innovation drives victory—both in racing and digital technology.