The McLaren Formula 1 Team has once again proven its rising dominance on the global stage, securing a remarkable 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 third-place finish—marking the team’s second consecutive top-three result following Norris’ runner-up performance at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Driving the striking MCL60 race car adorned in the sleek OKX Stealth Mode livery, both drivers delivered composed, strategic performances on the challenging Suzuka International Racing Course. The black-accented design, contrasting McLaren’s iconic papaya orange trim, symbolizes the shared values between McLaren and OKX: innovation, precision, and a forward-thinking approach to technological evolution.
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A Breakthrough Moment for McLaren and Piastri
Oscar Piastri’s podium finish was more than just a personal milestone—it represented a powerful statement of McLaren’s resurgence in Formula 1. Competing in his debut F1 season, Piastri demonstrated maturity beyond his years, maintaining strong pace throughout the race and capitalizing on key strategic moments.
“I can’t thank the team enough for giving me this opportunity,” said Piastri. “Not many people get to have an F1 podium, and I’ve managed it in my first season… 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.”
This achievement also marked McLaren’s first double podium of the 2023 season, reinforcing their position as serious contenders behind Red Bull Racing. The coordinated effort between both drivers and the pit crew exemplified peak teamwork under pressure.
Norris Leads With Consistency and Speed
Lando Norris, who finished just behind Max Verstappen, praised the team's continuous improvement and highlighted the significance of back-to-back podium finishes.
“A P2 and a P3, the team did an amazing job,” Norris said. “I’m very proud of the steps forward we’re making every weekend… 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.”
Norris’ performance in Japan followed his equally impressive second-place finish in Singapore, further cementing his status as one of F1’s most consistent performers this season. His ability to extract maximum performance from the MCL60, especially on high-speed circuits like Suzuka, underscores McLaren’s progress in aerodynamic efficiency and chassis development.
The Significance of the OKX Stealth Mode Livery
The MCL60’s appearance in the Stealth Mode livery—co-designed by McLaren and OKX—added a symbolic layer to the team’s recent success. Featuring a minimalist black-and-papaya design with the phrase “Accelerating Web3” displayed prominently on the rear wing, the livery reflects a bold vision for the future of digital innovation in sports.
This collaboration goes beyond aesthetics; it represents a strategic alignment between motorsport excellence and next-generation Web3 technologies. Just as Formula 1 teams push engineering boundaries, OKX is pioneering advancements in blockchain infrastructure, secure digital asset management, and decentralized finance solutions.
Technical Excellence Meets Strategic Execution
McLaren’s resurgence in 2023 can be attributed to a combination of technical upgrades, refined race strategy, and improved reliability. The MCL60, which struggled early in the season due to balance and downforce issues, has undergone significant development—particularly in its floor design and suspension setup.
At Suzuka, both cars demonstrated superior tire management and consistent lap times, allowing Norris and Piastri to maintain pressure on the leaders while avoiding costly mistakes. The team’s strategic call to delay Piastri’s pit stop proved crucial, enabling him to overtake competitors during the mid-race window when track position was critical.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
With six races remaining in the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, McLaren now sits firmly in third place in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of strong rivals like Ferrari and Mercedes. Their consistent points haul increases the likelihood of securing valuable prize money and technical development resources for next season.
Moreover, back-to-back podiums boost team morale and attract potential sponsors seeking alignment with a high-performing, innovative brand. The synergy with OKX amplifies this visibility, connecting traditional motorsport audiences with forward-thinking Web3 communities.
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- McLaren F1 Team
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- OKX Stealth Mode
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- Japanese Grand Prix
- Web3 innovation
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 sleek black-and-papaya color scheme with “Accelerating Web3” branding. It symbolizes innovation and the integration of advanced digital technologies in motorsport.
Q: Was this Oscar Piastri’s first Formula 1 podium?
A: Yes, Piastri achieved his first F1 podium at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix with a third-place finish—a historic moment in his rookie season.
Q: How did McLaren perform at the Singapore Grand Prix?
A: At the Singapore Grand Prix, Lando Norris finished second, marking McLaren’s first podium since July and setting the stage for their strong performance in Japan.
Q: What role does OKX play in McLaren’s F1 campaign?
A: OKX is the Official Primary Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team. Their collaboration extends beyond sponsorship to include joint initiatives in Web3 education, fan engagement, and technological innovation.
Q: Is the MCL60 faster than previous McLaren cars?
A: While early 2023 models faced challenges, extensive upgrades have significantly improved the MCL60’s performance—particularly in high-speed corners and tire efficiency—making it one of the fastest-developing cars this season.
Q: Where can fans see more about McLaren and OKX’s partnership?
A: Official updates are shared through McLaren’s channels and via OKX’s educational content platforms focusing on Web3 and digital transformation in sports.
As the season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on McLaren to see if they can maintain this momentum. With a young, dynamic driver lineup and growing technical confidence, the team appears poised for sustained success—both on track and in shaping the future of sport-tech convergence.