McLaren and VELO Unveil Fan-Inspired Special Livery for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Finale

The McLaren Formula 1 Team, in partnership with BAT’s brand VELO, has unveiled a striking new fan-inspired livery for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Released under the ‘Live Your Fandom’ campaign, the unique design celebrates the passion, creativity and loyalty of McLaren’s global fan community.

The special livery, crafted in collaboration with nine McLaren fans from around the world, features bespoke artwork that reflects the team’s heritage and the unforgettable memories shared by its supporters. Each icon integrated into the livery represents a distinct moment, symbol, or emotional connection within the McLaren Formula 1 legacy—bringing fan stories directly onto the MCL39 for the season-ending race.

A Global Co-Creation Project

Earlier this year, the selected fans were hosted at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience, meeting McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris. They later returned to preview the final livery before its Abu Dhabi debut, where it will feature prominently across the car, driver race suits, garage walls, paddock screens, and other team environments throughout the finale weekend.

The initiative marks a first-of-its-kind, race-wide fan-driven takeover, designed to bring the McLaren “Papaya Family” closer to the centre of the team’s iconic season finale.

Leadership Reactions

Louise McEwen, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing, said:
“Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this special livery is another way of showing our appreciation. Through the ‘Live Your Fandom’ campaign with VELO, we’ve been able to celebrate their passion and creativity in a way that truly brings the Papaya Family together.”

Luca Angiolillo, Global Head of Partnerships at BAT, added:
“VELO believes in championing authentic self-expression, and what better way than to literally put the passion of the McLaren Formula 1 Team global fanbase onto the MCL39? This co-created design is a powerful statement of how deeply fans are integrated into the team’s journey.”

Taking Centre Stage in Abu Dhabi

The fan-inspired livery will be showcased throughout the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, bringing an emotional and artistic highlight to the final round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. It stands as a tribute to the team’s worldwide supporters, symbolising shared pride, individuality and community at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.