The McLaren Formula 1 Team has once again proven its growing dominance on the track, securing a sensational double podium finish at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix. Lando Norris claimed second place, while rookie sensation Oscar Piastri achieved his maiden Formula 1 podium with a stellar third-place finish—both driving the striking MCL60 race car adorned in the OKX Stealth Mode livery.
This remarkable result extends McLaren’s momentum following Norris’ second-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix just one week prior. The back-to-back podiums underscore the team’s rapid development and strategic excellence as they continue to close the gap on the championship leaders.
A Breakthrough Moment for Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri’s podium finish marks a defining milestone in his debut F1 season. As one of the most promising young talents in motorsport, Piastri has consistently demonstrated composure and speed throughout the year. His performance at Suzuka International Racing Course confirmed his readiness to compete at the highest level.
“This feels pretty special, and I’ll remember it for a long, long time,” said Piastri. “I can’t thank the team enough for giving me this opportunity. Not many people get to have an F1 podium, and I’ve managed it in my first season, so thank you very much team.”
Despite acknowledging it wasn’t his “best race ever,” Piastri praised his growing rhythm in the second half of the race and expressed excitement about future opportunities. His achievement also marks McLaren’s first double podium of the 2023 season—a testament to the team’s cohesive strategy and technical progress.
Lando Norris: Leading the Charge
Lando Norris delivered another masterclass in consistency and pace, finishing just behind race winner Max Verstappen. While still trailing Red Bull’s dominant pace, Norris emphasized that McLaren is making tangible progress each weekend.
“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,” Norris said. “We’re getting there. The pace was extremely strong today… Congratulations to Oscar, his first podium in Formula One, our first double podium together.”
Norris’ performance highlights not only his individual skill but also McLaren’s improved aerodynamics, tire management, and pit-stop precision—all critical factors in high-pressure circuits like Suzuka.
The OKX Stealth Mode Livery: A Symbol of Innovation
The MCL60 cars featured a sleek, black-accented Stealth Mode livery co-designed by McLaren and OKX, blending minimalism with bold branding. The design retains McLaren’s iconic papaya orange trim while introducing a modern, understated aesthetic that reflects both teams’ commitment to innovation.
Notably, the rear wing displayed the phrase “Accelerating Web3”, symbolizing the partnership’s shared vision of pushing boundaries beyond traditional motorsport into next-generation digital ecosystems.
The livery was unveiled at an exclusive media event in Singapore on September 13, attended by key figures including OKX Chief Marketing Officer Haider Rafique, drivers Norris and Piastri, and McLaren Racing Executive Director Matt Dennington.
"The whole McLaren F1 team did an incredible job tonight," said Haider Rafique. "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."
Core Keywords:
- McLaren F1 Team
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- OKX Stealth Mode
- Japanese Grand Prix
- MCL60
- Formula 1 podium
- Web3 innovation
Engineering Excellence Behind the Scenes
While driver performances grab headlines, McLaren’s resurgence stems from meticulous engineering upgrades to the MCL60 chassis. Over recent races, the team has implemented aerodynamic refinements and suspension tweaks that have significantly improved downforce and cornering stability—key advantages on twisty tracks like Suzuka.
Data analytics, real-time telemetry, and advanced simulation tools have enabled faster decision-making during races. These technologies mirror innovations seen in digital asset platforms, where speed, accuracy, and adaptability are equally vital.
What This Means for the 2023 Season
With six races remaining in the season, McLaren now sits firmly in third place in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of Ferrari and behind only Red Bull and Mercedes. The double podium boosts their points tally significantly and strengthens morale within the Woking-based garage.
For Norris, staying ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in the Drivers’ Standings remains a priority. For Piastri, building confidence and consistency will be key as he prepares for a full career at the pinnacle of motorsport.
More importantly, these results validate McLaren’s multi-year rebuild strategy—focusing on sustainable development rather than short-term fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the significance of the OKX Stealth Mode livery?
A: The Stealth Mode livery represents a fusion of motorsport performance and Web3 innovation. It symbolizes McLaren and OKX’s joint mission to push technological boundaries both on and off the track.
Q: Was this Oscar Piastri’s first Formula 1 podium?
A: Yes, Piastri’s third-place finish at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix was his first career podium in Formula 1, achieved in his debut season.
Q: How did weather conditions affect the race?
A: The race took place under dry conditions after early rain warnings. Track temperature stabilized during the event, allowing teams to optimize tire strategies—McLaren capitalized on this with precise timing.
Q: What does “Accelerating Web3” mean on the car’s rear wing?
A: It highlights OKX’s role as a leader in Web3 technology and emphasizes the partnership's goal of advancing decentralized finance, blockchain applications, and digital ownership through global visibility.
Q: Where can fans see the Stealth Mode livery next?
A: The OKX Stealth Mode design will continue to appear on McLaren’s MCL60 for select races through the remainder of the 2023 season.
Q: Is McLaren leading any championship standings?
A: As of post-Japan GP results, McLaren leads the battle for third in the Constructors’ Championship but trails Red Bull and Mercedes overall.
Looking Ahead: Speed Meets Innovation
As the Formula 1 calendar moves toward its final stretch—from Austin to Abu Dhabi—McLaren aims to lock in third place among constructors while pushing for more podiums. Every point counts, and momentum is clearly on their side.
Beyond racing, the collaboration with OKX continues to explore new ways to engage fans through digital collectibles, immersive experiences, and blockchain integration—blurring the lines between sport, technology, and community.
The synergy between precision engineering and forward-thinking digital strategy makes this era of McLaren one of renewal, ambition, and global relevance. With Norris and Piastri delivering results on track—and OKX amplifying impact off it—the future looks faster than ever.