Lando's Pursuit of chrome
“I have asked Zak at least 10 times a year”
There were several items on Lando’s long-term to-do list when he first arrived at McLaren as a junior driver six years ago. Becoming a Formula 1 racer was amongst them, as was scoring points and podiums. He’s achieved those three and will soon be able to cross off another: driving a Chrome-coloured McLaren in a grand prix.
In partnership with Google Chrome, and in celebration of our 60th anniversary, we’ll be running the revered look for the first time in eight years at the 2023 British Grand Prix, with a papaya twist.
This particular item on Lando’s itinerary is as deep-rooted as any other, having been on his bucket list since he first became interested in F1. It’s actually the reason for the list existing in the first place.
“My first memory of Formula 1 is 2006/07, which is almost as far back as I can remember of being a kid,” says Lando. “It was Lewis [Hamilton] vs [Fernando] Alonso. They were the good days.
“I fell in love with McLaren because of the livery, not because of who was driving for them or anything like that. As a kid, I was just into whatever was cool, and McLaren, for me, was the coolest [livery]. Seeing this car got me into Formula 1 in the first place, so I guess that’s why it means more to me than others.
“I think the thing that excites me about being able to drive in my own Chrome livery is its history. Firstly, it will be my home race, which will be special enough, but to have a unique livery, helmet, boots and suit, and to celebrate something for McLaren and myself, and the history behind it all.”
Lando taking a seat in the MP4-23 on the Boulevard at the McLaren Technology Centre
Lando’s desire to drive the Chrome livery has long been an open secret in Formula 1, with the British racer making it known to CEO Zak Brown, the media, and pretty much anyone who would listen, on several occasions. If nothing else, this is proof that persistence pays off.
“I have asked him at least 10 times a year for the last six years since joining McLaren,” says Lando when asked how many times he had asked Zak Brown for a return to Chrome. “I feel like I have always gotten closer and closer to getting a yes - I was a long way off on day one.
“Now we will have it, so my wish has finally come true. It is not exactly the same, but I think that is also a good thing. It is something new and something fresh for McLaren, and it is celebrating something special.”
Lando's name on the chrome livery for Silverstone
Given the number of times Lando had hounded him to bring Chrome back, you’d imagine Zak was itching to deliver the news… But Lando says that he actually had to work it out for himself, with his boss instead leaving him in suspense.
Perched on the wheel of Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 Championship-winning car in the McLaren Technology Centre Boulevard, the British racer relives when he realised his wish would be coming true.
“I didn’t play any part in [the design], I didn’t even know it was going to be a Chrome livery for Silverstone,” he says. “I found out through my manager first and then through Zak later. The first thing I learned was that it would be a Google Chrome livery, and from there, I could quite easily put two and two together.
“Zak finally gave in to do something special, something in Chrome, which is one of my favourite things, so thanks, Zak.”
Lando Norris
“I was super excited, of course. I have always been into the design of the livery and my own stuff, like my helmet, boots and suit, so seeing something like this, as cool as it is, is super special.
“Zak finally gave in to do something special, something in Chrome, which is one of my favourite things, so thanks, Zak.”
Since making his F1 debut at the track in the 2018 British Grand Prix, Lando’s only failed to score points there once, with a best finish of fourth in 2021. As a British driver at a British team, he’s built up a unique connection with the home crowd at Silverstone and believes that they’ll get a buzz from seeing his Chrome car out on track.
“First of all, fans always love a new livery in the first place,” he says. “The ones we have done in the past have always been exciting, different and colourful.
“So, for us to bring something back for our home race as McLaren, and my home race as a British driver, it is going to be very special and the perfect place to do it.”
You can see the Chrome MCL60 on track when we head out for the British Grand Prix free practice on Friday at 12:30 BST.
