The McLaren Formula 1 Team has once again proven its rising dominance in the 2025 Formula 1 season, securing a stunning double podium finish at the Japanese Grand Prix. Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri crossed the finish line in second and third place respectively, piloting the striking MCL60 race car adorned in the OKX Stealth Mode livery. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in McLaren’s resurgence, reinforcing their status as consistent front-runners.
A Historic Double Podium for McLaren
At the iconic Suzuka International Racing Course, McLaren delivered one of its most coordinated and impressive performances of the season. Lando Norris, demonstrating exceptional pace and racecraft, finished just behind the leader in a hard-fought P2. Rookie sensation Oscar Piastri claimed his maiden Formula 1 podium with a composed and strategic drive to P3—making it McLaren’s first double podium of the season.
“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,” said Norris. “We’re getting there. The pace was extremely strong today.”
Piastri echoed the sentiment, expressing deep gratitude to the team:
“This feels pretty special, and I’ll remember it for a long, long time. Not many people get to have an F1 podium, and I’ve managed it in my first season… I’m super-happy and very excited to try and get some more.”
This result follows Norris’ second-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix just one week earlier—both races featuring the distinctive OKX Stealth Mode livery on the MCL60.
The Significance of the OKX Stealth Mode Livery
The Stealth Mode design, a collaborative creation between McLaren and OKX, blends minimalist aesthetics with bold symbolism. Dominated by sleek black accents and subtle contrasts against McLaren’s signature papaya hue, the livery reflects a shared philosophy: innovation through understated excellence. Emblazoned on the rear wing is the phrase “Accelerating Web3”—a clear nod to OKX’s mission to drive blockchain adoption across industries.
The livery was officially unveiled at an exclusive media event in Singapore on September 13, attended by key figures including OKX Chief Marketing Officer Haider Rafique, McLaren drivers Norris and Piastri, and McLaren Racing Executive Director Matt Dennington.
"The whole McLaren F1 team did an incredible job tonight," said 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."
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Technical Excellence Meets Strategic Execution
The MCL60’s performance at Suzuka wasn’t just about raw speed—it was a masterclass in strategy, tire management, and pit coordination. Norris maintained consistent lap times throughout the race, capitalizing on clean air and optimal DRS usage during key overtaking zones. Piastri, meanwhile, overcame early-race pressure from midfield challengers to steadily climb into podium contention.
McLaren’s engineering team executed flawless pit stops, minimizing time loss during tire changes. Their real-time telemetry analysis allowed for precise fuel and energy deployment—critical factors in hybrid-era F1 racing.
This consistency builds on recent upgrades to the MCL60’s aerodynamics and power unit efficiency, which have closed the gap to championship leaders without sacrificing reliability.
Core Keywords Driving Fan Engagement
Key themes emerging from this milestone include McLaren F1 Team, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Formula 1 podium, MCL60 race car, OKX Stealth Mode, Japanese Grand Prix, and double podium finish. These terms not only reflect current search trends but also align with growing interest in F1’s technological evolution and team partnerships.
By integrating Web3 narratives into mainstream motorsport branding, McLaren and OKX are tapping into a digitally native audience—fans who value innovation, transparency, and next-generation engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Was this Oscar Piastri’s first Formula 1 podium?
A: Yes, Piastri achieved his first career F1 podium with a third-place finish at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix—a historic moment for the rookie driver.
Q: What does the OKX Stealth Mode livery represent?
A: The design symbolizes a shared vision between McLaren and OKX: innovation through subtlety. Its black-and-papaya aesthetic highlights performance without flash, while “Accelerating Web3” underscores a commitment to advancing blockchain technology.
Q: How many consecutive podiums has McLaren achieved?
A: Following podium finishes in both Singapore and Japan, McLaren has secured back-to-back top-three results—marking their strongest run of form in recent seasons.
Q: Is the MCL60 using any new technology this season?
A: Yes. The team introduced mid-season aerodynamic refinements and improved energy recovery systems that have significantly boosted straight-line speed and cornering stability.
Q: Will the OKX Stealth Mode livery appear in future races?
A: While special liveries are often limited editions, fan response has been overwhelmingly positive—increasing the likelihood of future collaborations or design revivals.
Q: How close is McLaren to challenging for the Constructors’ Championship?
A: With consistent points hauls and improved car performance, McLaren is now firmly in third place in the Constructors’ Standings—just behind Ferrari and Mercedes—and closing in on sustained contention.
A New Era of Performance and Partnership
McLaren’s resurgence isn’t accidental. It’s the result of meticulous engineering, driver development, and strategic alliances that extend beyond sponsorship. The partnership with OKX goes beyond branding—it represents a fusion of high-speed performance and digital innovation.
As Web3 technologies gain traction in sports, fan engagement models are evolving. From tokenized experiences to real-time data integration, the future of F1 is becoming increasingly interactive—and McLaren is at the forefront.
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The double podium at Suzuka isn’t just a triumph of speed; it’s validation of a long-term vision. With Norris establishing himself as a consistent title challenger and Piastri emerging as a future star, McLaren’s trajectory points upward.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on whether they can maintain this momentum—and potentially challenge for silverware in both driver and constructor categories. One thing is certain: the papaya cars with black accents are no longer chasing the leaders—they’re among them.