McLaren Formula 1 Team have unveiled a special, fan-inspired livery set to debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with sponsor VELO, the global nicotine pouch brand. Co-created by nine McLaren superfans from across the world, the design celebrates the stories, passion and unforgettable moments that define the team’s global community.
At the heart of this collaboration is the ‘Live Your Fandom’ campaign, a joint initiative between VELO and McLaren that spotlights fan expression throughout the 2025 season. The Abu Dhabi race weekend will feature an immersive takeover across the team environment — from driver suits to garage walls — bringing the fan-created artwork to life on motorsport’s biggest stage.
Back in August, nine superfans from the UK, Romania, Czech Republic, Mexico and beyond were invited to the McLaren Technology Centre for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their day included an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, a chance to share their favourite McLaren memories with CEO Zak Brown, and a surprise Q&A with driver Lando Norris.
“Our fans are at the heart of everything we do. This special livery is a way of recognising their creativity and passion, and it brings the Papaya Family together in a truly unique way.”
McLaren Racing’s Chief Marketing Officer, Louise McEwen
But these fans didn’t just observe — they became creators. During an intimate design workshop, each fan contributed sketches, symbols and stories that ultimately shaped the 2025 Abu Dhabi livery. When they later returned to the MTC, they were met with the surprise reveal: their ideas had been transformed into the car’s final season-finale look.
The finished livery incorporates a series of bespoke icons, each with its own meaning:
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Papaya Family – A nod to the global unity of McLaren’s fanbase.
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Forever Forward Friendship Bracelet – Inspired by a fan’s bracelet symbolising how F1 fandom brings people together.
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Home Wins – Celebrating victories at Silverstone and Bahrain, both considered home races for the team.
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Back-to-Back Constructors’ Champions – A trophy icon honouring a legacy of dominance.
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200 Race Wins – Marking the team’s historic milestone achieved at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix.
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1-2 Finish – Representing McLaren’s 50th 1-2 at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix.
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Fastest Pitstop – Celebrating the team’s 1.91-second pitstop, the quickest of the 2025 season to date.
“VELO believes in championing authentic self-expression, and what better way than to literally put the passion of McLaren’s global fanbase onto the MCL39. This co-created design is the ultimate embodiment of our ‘Live Your Fandom’ campaign, and we can’t wait for it to take centre stage at the season finale.”Luca Angiolillo, Global Head of Partnerships at BAT
Fans can learn more about the VELO x McLaren ‘Live Your Fandom’ initiative on VELO’s Instagram and the McLaren Racing website.
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