McLaren set to shine in Austin with ‘fan favourite’ chrome livery

For the second time in two seasons, and in a nod to the past and to its partner Google, McLaren will run another edition of its fan-favourite chrome livery on its MCL38 at next weekend’s US Grand Prix.

The striking scheme – a hark back to the design of the Woking-based outfits cars that competed between 2006 to 2014 – was first reimagined at the British Grand Prix in 2023 and remains part of McLaren’s Chrome Shines Again campaign.

According to team papaya, the livery reflects “a modern twist to represent the team’s enduring legacy, with the enhanced chrome representing the two brands’ pursuit of innovative design.”

Touches of chrome will also be present on the race suits of McLaren’s drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Ahead of next weekend’s round of racing at The Circuit of the Americas, McLaren leads the Constructors' Championship by a comfortable 41-point margin over Red Bull.

On the Drivers' front, Norris still trails Max Verstappen by 52 points standings, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc’s is third 86 points adrift and only eight points ahead of fourth-placed-man Oscar Piastri.

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“After a busy few weeks back at the factory to consolidate and strengthen our championship campaign, we now head to Austin for the first of two triple headers,” commented McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.

“We’re only six races away from the end of the season but there are still a lot of points on the table.

“Many teams will be bringing updates in these final races, so we expect some close competition, but as always, we keep our heads down, focus on ourselves and look to consistently deliver points in our quest for both titles.”

©McLaren

As he aims to further erode Verstappen’s advantage, Norris couldn’t name a better venue to kick off the final leg of the F1 season.

"I love going to Austin. The vibe is always incredible, and I really enjoy racing there, especially with the cool Chrome livery we have this weekend,” he said.

“It’s a great race to start the final leg of the season after a few weeks off. It’s also a Sprint weekend, which means there are more points on the table.

“I’ve spent some time back at the MTC in the sim preparing for the upcoming triple header. The next two months are going to be incredibly busy, but also exciting.

“I’m ready to get back in the car, so let’s show Texas what we can do.”

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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.