From Underdogs to Champions: How OKX Helped Fuel McLaren’s Historic Comeback

Written by Haider Rafique, Chief Marketing Officer at OKX

When OKX partnered with the McLaren Formula 1 Team in 2022, the legendary racing outfit was facing one of its toughest periods. McLaren had a rich history in motorsport but was languishing in the middle of the table. At the time, it was hard to imagine that within just a few years, McLaren would not only return to the top but go on to secure the 2024 Constructors' Championship.

This incredible turnaround is a story of vision, resilience, and the kind of collaboration that goes beyond sponsorship. It's a partnership rooted in shared innovation, ambition, and a relentless drive to win.

Building the Foundation for Success

OKX entered Formula 1 not merely as a sponsor but as an active partner, ready to invest in McLaren’s resurgence. At the start of our journey, McLaren was finishing races outside the top positions, with competitive pressure mounting. The Formula 1 landscape is unforgiving, where milliseconds define success, and innovation separates contenders from champions.

Thanks to partnerships like with OKX, McLaren has been able to undergo transformative advancements in its technological infrastructure, such as the construction of its state-of-the-art wind tunnel, critical for aerodynamic testing, as well as major upgrades to the machine shop. Developments such as these have been vital in driving McLaren’s progress over the last few years, showcasing how partnerships such as with OKX has empowered the team to push the boundaries of innovation and performance.

Navigating the Tough Moments

2023 was a challenging season. It was a year of recalibration, where progress often felt incremental and the results didn’t always reflect the effort. During these moments, OKX stood by McLaren, not just as a financial supporter but as a strategic partner.

I remember sitting down with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown during the 2023 season, a conversation captured on Netflix's Drive to Survive. We talked candidly about the pressure, the setbacks, and the belief that our shared vision would eventually pay off. We discussed the importance of securing talent, both on and off the track, and investing in innovation even when the results weren’t immediately apparent. This is a key belief in how we operate at OKX.

Together we believed that the McLaren Formula 1 team would soon be champions!

The 2024 Breakthrough

Fast forward to 2024, and the results speak for themselves. Every podium finish, every flawless pit stop, and every record-breaking lap was a testament to what can happen with a commitment to pushing boundaries, which is what we also strive to do at OKX.

OKX’s role extended beyond its financial investment. OKX has brought fans closer to the team throughout 2024, through initiatives like the McLaren SENNA Campaign and Race Rewind digital collectibles, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence and technological advancement.

Celebrating a New Era with Fans

This historic Constructors' Championship isn’t just a victory for McLaren; it’s a validation of the journey we embarked on together. To commemorate this achievement, OKX and McLaren are launching an exclusive NFT designed by the acclaimed artist Krzysztof Domaradzki. The piece captures the spirit of speed, celebration, and the teamwork that brought us to this moment.

These NFTs are more than collectibles—they are digital artifacts of a turning point in motorsport history, symbolizing the innovative spirit that defines both OKX and McLaren.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between OKX and McLaren has redefined what’s possible in Formula 1 and beyond. It's where two significant brands can come together and show how a strategic partnership can be more than just a logo on a car. Together, we’ve shown that success isn’t just about legacy or tradition—it’s about vision, innovation, and an unrelenting drive to excel.

As we look to the future, OKX remains committed to supporting McLaren as they continue to push boundaries, setting new standards in performance and technology. With the foundation we’ve built, the next chapter promises even greater achievements, both on the track and in the rapidly evolving world of Web3.

This championship is a milestone, but it’s also just the beginning. Together, we’re not just making history—we’re shaping the future.

Disclaimer

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