McLaren reveal special MCL36 livery for season-ending Abu Dhabi GP

McLaren will see out the 2022 campaign with their MCL36 challenger kitted out in a unique livery at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Over recent seasons McLaren have never been shy to introduce us to special edition liveries, their Gulf-inspired design from Monaco in 2021 a particular hit.

And as recently as the 2022 Singapore and Japanese GPs, McLaren were competing in their ‘Future Mode’ livery.

Now there is a new one for the collection, as McLaren and Vuse present a livery designed by Lebanese artist Anna Tangles for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

This comes as part of the Driven by Change campaign, which gives underrepresented creatives the opportunity to put their work on global display via motorsport.

For the design, McLaren have fused their papaya and blue colour scheme with Tangles’ trademark linear style.

It marks the anniversary of this initiative which began at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, where UAE-based artist Rabab Tantawy’s artwork featured on the McLarens.

Both MCL36 challengers, driven by Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, will sport the design for the full Abu Dhabi race weekend.

This will be the final outing for Ricciardo as a McLaren driver, the team having decided to terminate his contract a year early, with Ricciardo’s fellow Australian Oscar Piastri to take his place as Norris’ team-mate from 2023.

“As a lifelong F1 fan, I never believed that I would one day have my artwork showcased at a Grand Prix – and it’s all thanks to Driven by Change,” said Tangles.

“I dedicate my spare time to training and encouraging other artists, particularly other Middle Eastern female creatives, to embrace their passion and skills, and so it’s a privilege to be a part of a community that supports the same ambition of empowering underrepresented artists in this way.”

Louise McEwen, executive director, brand and marketing at McLaren Racing, added: “We are delighted to represent an emerging artist’s design on our race cars once again, championing creativity together with Vuse. Anna Tangles produces stunning artwork and has a powerful story which perfectly embodies the spirit and values of the Driven by Change campaign.

“The initiative is building a legacy which we are excited to continue driving, using our global platform to amplify the talent of emerging creatives.”

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