McLaren rolls out revised livery for Abu Dhabi finale

©McLaren

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The McLaren team will run a special livery at next weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as part of the 'Driven by Change' campaign promoted by BAT brand and team sponsor Vuse.

The brand's 'Driven by Change' campaign gives emerging creatives a platform to showcase their work to a global audience through motorsport.

The one-off design, created by UAE-based artist Rabab Tantawy and conceived in collaboration with automotive media designer Davide Virdi, blends McLaren's traditional papaya and blue colors with Tantawy’s distinctive Nubian Series

The livery was premiered on Tuesday at a private media event hosted by McLaren Racing and Vuse at Yas Marina.

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"We are excited to bring the art and motorsport worlds together in a ground-breaking way, by sporting Rabab Tantawy’s artwork on our race cars at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix," commented Claire Cronin, Chief Marketing Officer for McLaren Racing.

"Together with Vuse, Driven by Change is a unique opportunity to use our global stage to support rising talent, giving undiscovered creatives the platform they deserve.

"Rabab’s art is inspiring, and we are proud to take her papaya-influenced creation racing this weekend."

Next weekend's curtain-closer in Abu Dhabi will mark the second time this season that McLaren runs a special one-off livery, having entered its MCL35M in last spring's Monaco Grand Prix in the classic powder blue and orange colors of Gulf.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.