McLaren will wear ‘Riviera-inspired’ livery in Monaco and Spain

The livery nods to McLaren’s M7A race car used from 1968-1971

McLaren will have a new look for the next two races after unveiling a ‘Riviera-inspired’ livery that throws back to its classic M7A race car. The new livery was created in collaboration with team sponsor OKX, with its unveiling taking place on a yacht in the Monaco harbour.

Driven by founder Bruce McLaren, the McLaren M7A was a hugely significant car in the team’s history, as it became the first to win a Grand Prix in 1968 at Spa-Francorchamps, and the first to wear its famous papaya colour. The white roundel featuring the driver number on the M7A is replicated on the modern day McLarens, although there’s also the addition of side roundel containing the OKX logo.

Both McLaren MCL39s will wear the new livery during the Monaco and Spanish Grands Prix, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri also sporting new white racing overalls with papaya piping.

This isn’t McLaren’s first attempt at a special one-off (in this case, two-off) livery. You may remember the yellow livery used at last year’s Monaco Grand Prix, which paid tribute to Ayrton Senna - still the record holder for wins in the Principality.

Also in 2023, the British team celebrated 60 years in motorsport with a Triple Crown-inspired livery.

McLaren currently sits at the top of the Constructors’ standings after seven races of the 2025 season, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the Driver standings. Overtaking is a difficult affair at the Monaco Grand Prix, meaning Saturday’s qualifying session is possibly the most crucial in the entire F1 calendar.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: McLaren F1