McLaren Racing ushers in a thrilling new era as it marks its 60th anniversary with the official unveiling of its 2023 Formula 1 driver line-up. At the heart of this milestone celebration is the dynamic pairing of Lando Norris and rookie sensation Oscar Piastri, who will take the wheel of the newly christened MCL60—a name that pays tribute to six decades of innovation, resilience, and racing excellence.
The launch event took place at the OKX Thought Leadership Centre within McLaren’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Woking, England, bringing together fans, media, and team personnel to witness the dawn of a pivotal season.
A New Chapter Under Fresh Leadership
With Andrea Stella stepping into the role of Formula 1 Team Principal in December 2022, McLaren enters its anniversary year under renewed leadership. Stella’s transition from Executive Director signals a strategic shift aimed at elevating the team’s performance and long-term vision.
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The 2023 campaign isn’t just about honoring history—it’s about building momentum. After a challenging 2022 season, the team has channeled lessons learned into rigorous development, both on and off the track. The goal is clear: close the gap to the front of the grid and reclaim McLaren’s position among Formula 1’s elite.
Meet the Drivers: Experience Meets Emerging Talent
Lando Norris – The Established Star
Now entering his fifth F1 season, 23-year-old Lando Norris has evolved into one of the sport’s most consistent and charismatic drivers. Hailing from Somerset, England, Norris secured his sixth career podium at the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and continues to demonstrate rapid growth under pressure.
Norris brings not only pace but leadership. As Andrea Stella noted, he’s increasingly stepping into a mentorship role—supporting team dynamics and helping integrate his new teammate.
"This is my fifth year in Formula 1 and I’m hoping to carry positive momentum into the new season," said Norris. "To be involved in McLaren’s 60th anniversary is a privilege."
Oscar Piastri – The Rising Prodigy
At just 21, Australian driver Oscar Piastri arrives with an already-impressive resume: back-to-back championships in FIA Formula 3 (2020) and FIA Formula 2 (2021). Despite being a rookie in F1, Piastri’s preparation has been anything but ordinary.
Since joining the McLaren Technology Centre, he has immersed himself in simulator work, engineering debriefs, and team integration—earning respect for his humility, intelligence, and work ethic.
“I’m delighted to get started with McLaren and make my F1 debut this season,” Piastri shared. “It’s going to be a memorable year—not just for me, but for the entire team.”
Their combined youth, energy, and technical acumen position Norris and Piastri as one of the most promising driver duos on the grid.
The MCL60: A Car Steeped in Heritage and Innovation
Breaking from tradition, McLaren has named its 2023 challenger the MCL60, directly commemorating 60 years since Bruce McLaren founded the racing team in 1963. This symbolic gesture underscores a season of reflection and ambition.
Design & Livery
The MCL60 features a striking papaya orange and blue livery, a color scheme first used in the 1960s and reintroduced in 2018 to widespread acclaim. More than just aesthetics, these colors represent continuity—a bridge between past triumphs and future aspirations.
Designed under the leadership of Technical Director James Key and manufactured in Woking by Operations Director Piers Thynne’s team, the car embodies cutting-edge engineering.
Power Unit & Collaboration
The MCL60 is powered by the Mercedes-AMG F1 M14 E Performance power unit. Integrated seamlessly into McLaren’s chassis and gearbox, this collaboration with Mercedes High Performance Powertrains (HPP) in Brixworth highlights a partnership built on trust and shared goals.
Together, the teams are focused on performance gains through aerodynamic efficiency, energy recovery systems, and mechanical refinement—all critical under the current F1 regulations emphasizing sustainability and ground-effect aerodynamics.
Looking Ahead: Pre-Season and Beyond
The MCL60 will make its official on-track debut during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 23, ahead of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5. These first laps will be crucial in validating months of simulation, wind tunnel testing, and component development.
For fans worldwide, it marks the beginning of a season filled with anticipation—not just for race results, but for how McLaren balances celebration with competition.
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A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Since its founding in 1963, McLaren Racing has achieved:
- 20 Formula 1 World Championships (constructors’ and drivers’ combined)
- 183 Formula 1 Grand Prix victories
- Three Indianapolis 500 wins
- One Le Mans 24 Hours victory—achieved on its first attempt
Few teams in motorsport history can match this breadth of success across disciplines. As Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, emphasized:
“Being one of the oldest teams on the grid and marking our 60-year anniversary is an excellent achievement… This is the start of several anniversary commemorations that will be exhibited throughout the year.”
From Bruce McLaren’s vision to today’s global operation, the team remains committed to innovation, excellence, and fan engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is the car called MCL60?
A: The name honors McLaren Racing’s 60th anniversary in 2023. It breaks from previous naming patterns (like MCL37) to mark this historic milestone.
Q: Is Oscar Piastri a rookie in Formula 1?
A: Yes, 2023 is Piastri’s debut F1 season. However, he arrives as a two-time champion in junior categories—winning FIA F3 in 2020 and FIA F2 in 2021.
Q: What engine does the MCL60 use?
A: The MCL60 uses the Mercedes-AMG F1 M14 E Performance hybrid power unit, developed in partnership with Mercedes HPP.
Q: When will the MCL60 first race?
A: The car will compete officially at the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5, following pre-season testing starting February 23.
Q: What does papaya orange represent for McLaren?
A: Papaya orange originated with Bruce McLaren’s early racing cars in North America. It was revived in recent years as a tribute to heritage and now serves as the team’s signature color.
Q: Who leads McLaren’s technical development?
A: Technical Director James Key leads vehicle design and innovation, overseeing aerodynamics, chassis development, and systems integration.
The Road Forward
As McLaren embarks on its seventh decade, the fusion of youth, experience, heritage, and technology defines its identity. The MCL60 is more than a race car—it’s a symbol of legacy in motion.
With Norris providing stability and Piastri injecting fresh ambition, supported by strong leadership and engineering prowess, McLaren aims to turn anniversary celebrations into competitive resurgence.
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The journey begins in Bahrain—but the vision extends far beyond one season. For McLaren fans old and new, 2023 promises not just nostalgia, but hope for a bold new chapter written in papaya and blue.