The McLaren Formula 1 Team has solidified its resurgence in the 2025 season with a dominant double podium finish at the Japanese Grand Prix, as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured second and third places respectively. Driving the striking MCL60 race car adorned in the sleek OKX Stealth Mode livery, the dynamic duo delivered a masterclass in consistency, speed, and teamwork at the legendary Suzuka International Racing Course.
This remarkable result extends McLaren’s impressive podium streak, following Norris’ second-place finish just one week prior at the Singapore Grand Prix. The back-to-back top-three finishes underscore the team’s rapid development trajectory and growing competitiveness against the dominant forces in Formula 1.
A Breakthrough Moment for Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri’s third-place finish marked a career milestone — his first-ever Formula 1 podium. Achieving this feat in his debut season is a testament to his composure under pressure and seamless integration into the McLaren lineup.
“It feels pretty special, and I’ll remember it for a long, long time,” said Piastri. “Not many people get to stand on an F1 podium, and to do it in my first season is something I’ll never forget. The team gave me the car, the strategy, and the support — and I’m incredibly grateful.”
While Piastri admitted it wasn’t his cleanest race, his ability to maintain pace, manage tires, and defend positions during critical phases of the race showcased his maturity beyond his years. As the race progressed, he found his rhythm, closing gaps and holding off challenges from seasoned rivals.
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Lando Norris: Leading the Charge
Lando Norris, now a consistent front-runner, delivered another flawless performance to claim P2. His pace throughout the weekend was electric, and he pushed relentlessly despite the gap to race winner Max Verstappen.
“We’re not miles away from Max,” Norris noted. “The pace was extremely strong today. It’s another P2 and a P3 — our first double podium together — and I’m very proud of how far we’ve come. The team did an incredible job.”
Norris’ podium in Japan followed his thrilling second-place finish in Singapore, proving that McLaren’s upward momentum is not a one-off but part of a broader trend of improvement across car performance, pit strategy, and race execution.
The OKX Stealth Mode Livery: A Symbol of Innovation
The MCL60 cars raced in the distinctive OKX Stealth Mode livery — a minimalist design blending black accents with McLaren’s iconic papaya orange. The subtle yet bold aesthetic reflects a shared philosophy between McLaren and OKX: innovation through understated excellence.
Featuring the phrase “Accelerating Web3” on the rear wing, the livery serves as a visual representation of the partnership’s mission to drive technological advancement beyond the racetrack.
The livery was unveiled at an exclusive media event in Singapore on September 13, attended by OKX Chief Marketing Officer Haider Rafique, drivers Norris and Piastri, and McLaren Racing Executive Director Matt Dennington. Since then, it has become synonymous with McLaren’s re-emergence as a podium-caliber team.
“Seeing the MCL60 in OKX Stealth Mode dominate at Suzuka was incredible,” said Rafique. “This double podium is a powerful statement of what’s possible when high-performance engineering meets forward-thinking innovation.”
Engineering Excellence Meets Strategic Vision
McLaren’s resurgence hasn’t happened overnight. Behind the scenes, significant upgrades to the MCL60’s aerodynamics, power unit integration, and tire management systems have transformed it from a midfield challenger to a consistent front-runner.
The team’s strategic calls during both Singapore and Japan were spot-on — timing pit stops to perfection and adapting to changing track conditions. Combined with improved reliability and driver synergy, these elements have elevated McLaren into genuine contenders for constructors’ championship points.
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Core Keywords Driving Performance
The success at Suzuka highlights several core themes that define McLaren’s 2025 campaign:
- McLaren F1 Team
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- MCL60
- Formula 1 podium
- OKX Stealth Mode
- Suzuka Grand Prix
- F1 innovation
These keywords reflect not only the team’s on-track achievements but also its evolving identity as a tech-forward, performance-driven organization embracing the future of motorsport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the significance of the OKX Stealth Mode livery?
A: The OKX Stealth Mode livery represents the partnership between McLaren and OKX, symbolizing innovation, precision, and a shared vision for advancing technology both on and off the track. Its minimalist design reflects strength through subtlety.
Q: Was this Oscar Piastri’s first Formula 1 podium?
A: Yes, Piastri’s third-place finish at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix was his first podium in Formula 1, achieved in his debut season — a rare accomplishment that highlights his potential as a future champion.
Q: How many podiums has McLaren achieved in 2025 so far?
A: As of the Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren has secured multiple podium finishes, including back-to-back second and third places in Singapore and Japan, marking their best run of form in over a decade.
Q: What does “Accelerating Web3” mean on the car’s rear wing?
A: The phrase highlights OKX’s mission to drive adoption of Web3 technologies — decentralized finance, blockchain infrastructure, and digital assets — using Formula 1 as a global platform for awareness and engagement.
Q: Is the MCL60 competitive across all track types?
A: Early season data suggested weaknesses on high-speed circuits, but recent upgrades have improved downforce and mechanical grip, making the MCL60 more versatile across varying layouts like Singapore’s street circuit and Suzuka’s flowing bends.
Q: Can McLaren challenge for race wins in upcoming events?
A: With continued development and consistent performances from both drivers, McLaren is positioning itself to fight for victories in the latter half of 2025, particularly on technical tracks that favor agility and driver skill.
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Looking Ahead: Momentum Builds for 2025
With two consecutive double podium threats narrowly missed due to marginal gaps at the front, McLaren’s ambition is clear: win races. The foundation has been laid through engineering refinement, driver confidence, and strategic discipline.
As the season progresses into Europe and North America, all eyes will be on whether Norris or Piastri can break through for their first victory of the year. One thing is certain — McLaren is no longer chasing the leaders. They are now among them.
The fusion of racing excellence and technological innovation embodied by the OKX Stealth Mode era signals a new chapter for one of Formula 1’s most storied teams. And with every lap, they’re proving they belong at the front.