A McLaren will run in the event Suzuka from the Formula 1 with a painting produced by Japanese artist MILTZ on both MCL38 piloted by Lando Norris It is Oscar Piastri. The art, which changes the appearance of the engine cover, sidepods and front wing, features a dragon running through the clouds, with elements inspired by Japanese calligraphy from the Edo period.
“MILTZ’s artwork is inspired by Edomoji, a traditional Japanese calligraphy, which he fuses with modern art and culture, and in this case used to represent the speed of a Formula 1 car in the form of a dragon racing through the clouds,” said McLaren.
The latest change to McLaren’s livery is part of the so-called campaign Driven by Changecreated in conjunction with partner British American Tobacco, which displays its Vuse brand of e-cigarettes in McLaren cars.
Special McLaren MCL38 livery
Photo by: McLaren
McLaren said the campaign, which returns for a fourth season, “celebrates emerging creatives across the global motorsport platform, providing opportunities to showcase their innovative artistry” to the world.
“We’re really excited to bring Driven by Change to Japan for the 2024 iteration of the campaign, together with our partner Vuse,” said McLaren Racing Marketing Director Louise McEwen.
“Now in its fourth year, we have seen the success of the campaign in showcasing the incredible creativity of these talented and unknown artists for the world to see in our race cars.”
Designer MILTZ said: “When I became a freelance artist, I never thought an opportunity like this would be possible – this is the biggest international project I’ve ever undertaken.”
Special paintwork for the McLaren MCL38
Photo by: McLaren
“As I continue to build my profile as an artist, I want my artwork to champion the rich traditions of Japanese written culture, like Edomoji, but with a modern twist. From my work with local companies in Japan to the Formula One team 1 by McLaren, there are many beautiful stories to tell through art.”, said the artist.
This weekend, McLaren returns to the site of its first double podium of the 2023 season, with Norris and Piastri taking second and third respectively at last year’s Japanese GP as the team returned to season-long form.
In the first three races of 2024, the Woking team emerged as the third team in the standings, behind the Red Bull and from Ferrariheading to Suzuka just ahead of Mercedes.
McLaren has regularly showcased unique liveries, racing in different color schemes at several races in 2023.
At Silverstone, McLaren raced in a chrome livery and paid homage to the Triple Crown-winning heritage of Monaco and Spain. It also showcased a Driven for Change livery in Abu Dhabi, as well as special designs for Las Vegas, Singapore and Japan.
Special paintwork for the McLaren MCL38
Photo by: McLaren
