The iconic chrome livery which was used during McLaren’s most successful periods this century is making a return this weekend at the British Grand Prix with the support of their partners at Google and the brand’s browser, Google Chrome.
McLaren fans will fondly remember the original chrome efforts that were used between 1997 and 2014 before the team switched to a black design in 2015 when the team raced with Honda engines. A switch to the popular papaya was made for the 2017 season and that colour scheme is what the team have predominately run since, with the colour remaining in this special livery.
The team shared a video on Twitter to confirm the news:
We're bringing CHROME BACK. 😍
With @GoogleChrome, the MCL60 will sport the iconic Chrome livery at the #BritishGP. ✨#ChromeIsBack pic.twitter.com/xLKRxknYXr
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) July 3, 2023
The last time a McLaren won the Drivers’ World Championship was in 2008, with Lewis Hamilton beating Ferrari’s Felipe Massa by only a single point. 2008 was also the year that the Google Chrome browser was launced, with the team competitng with a chrome colour car that season.
McLaren is celebrating their 60th anniversary this season and has already run a special ‘Triple Crown’ livery at the Monaco Grand Prix and the Spanish Grand Prix.
Along with the new livery, their drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri also appeared at the launch event with new overalls, with CEO Zak Brown also in attendence.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing said:“It’s no secret that racing fans love McLaren’s classic chrome livery. Google Chrome wanted to bring back elements of this iconic livery to celebrate our team’s history at the British Grand Prix, and we’re excited to be able to give our fans what they want.
“I’m sure this livery will bring back great memories for many of our fans, and I can’t wait to see it out on track at our home race.”
Nick Drake, VP Global Marketing, Google, said: “It’s been a privilege for the Google Chrome team to work with McLaren on bringing back elements of an iconic livery to inspire this takeover. We were delighted with the fans’ reaction to the branded wheel covers that introduced our partnership, and now Google Chrome is putting chrome back on the McLaren for its home race. We’re looking forward to Silverstone and hope all McLaren fans enjoy what promises to be a really exciting weekend of racing.”