McLaren will race at the 2024 Japan GP in Suzuka with a special livery – The slightly modified design for the MCL38 was created by a Japanese artist
McLaren has unveiled a special livery for the Japanese Grand Prix: At the Formula 1 race on the Suzuka International Racing Course, the McLaren MCL38 of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri shines in a modified design. The basic colors remain unchanged, but there are color accents on the engine cover, the sidepods and the front wing.
The modified design of the McLaren shows a dragon racing through the clouds with elements inspired by Japanese calligraphy from the Edo period. The special livery was created by Japanese artist ‘Miltz’.
“Miltz’s artwork is inspired by Edomoji, a traditional Japanese calligraphy, which he combines with modern art and culture, in this case depicting the speed of a Formula 1 car in the form of a dragon racing through the clouds,” reads the British racing team’s press release.
Special design as part of a campaign
The change to McLaren’s livery is part of the so-called “Driven by Change” campaign, which was launched together with partner ‘British American Tobacco’ and features the ‘Vuse’ brand of e-cigarettes on the McLaren cars.
This is the fourth time McLaren has raced with a different livery, most recently at the 2023 finale in Abu Dhabi. The campaign “celebrates emerging creatives across the global motorsport platform and offers the world the opportunity to showcase their innovative artwork”, it continues.
“We are delighted to bring Driven by Change to Japan with our partner Vuse for the 2024 edition of the campaign,” said Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer of McLaren Racing. “Now in its fourth year, we have seen the success of the campaign in showcasing the incredible creativity of these talented and undiscovered artists to the world on our race cars. “
Special design as a lucky charm?
“When I first became a freelance artist, I never thought an opportunity like this would be possible – this is the biggest international project I’ve ever done,” says the Japanese artist, excited about the opportunity to design the McLaren for the Japan race.
“As I continue to build my profile as an artist, I want my artwork to embody the rich traditions of Japanese writing culture such as edomoji, but with a modern twist. From my work with local businesses in Japan to the McLaren Formula 1 team, there are so many beautiful stories that can be told through art. “
Could the special design bring luck? McLaren has fond memories of the Japanese GP: last year, both Norris and Piastri finished on the podium. In the first three races of the new season, the team from Woking finished third behind Red Bull and Ferrari
