McLaren Racing - Everything you need to know for the Japanese Grand Prix - presented by OKX

2022-10-08 13:52:46 By : Mr. Kevin Zhang

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"The Japanese fans are always so passionate so it will be another event full of energy"

"The Japanese fans are always so passionate so it will be another event full of energy"

Select mode: Grand Prix. Choose your engine: V6. Choose your characters: Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. Choose your car: MCL36. Choose your venue: Suzuka.

Thanks for playing, let's go…

Suzuka, we choose you! After three years, we're back to battle at Suzuka with an all-new car and your favourite returning characters. The historic Japanese track is a fast-paced, action-filled extravaganza that packs a real punch.

It's dangerous to go alone! Take this… so we've grabbed Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo and Team Principal Andreas Seidl to get their tips and tricks on navigating Suzuka. We've also included some information on past game stats, what you should be watching for and details on how to customise your character.

"It’s good to be back in Japan for the first time in three years! It’s the second of our double-header in Asia, the fans were sensational in Marina Bay and I’m sure it’ll be the same this weekend in Suzuka. It’s a fun track and I'm looking forward to the challenges it brings!

"Singapore was a great result for the team and everybody’s contribution was rewarded as we secured double points in difficult conditions. We’re now fully focused on continuing the hard work and building momentum as we enter the final five races of the season."

"I can’t wait to get back out on track again this weekend in Suzuka, especially after an enjoyable double top five team result in Singapore. We managed the conditions well and most importantly picked up valuable points in the Constructors’ Championship! It’s great to see the team’s hard work pay off.

"The Japanese fans are always so passionate and it’ll be another exciting race off the back of the atmosphere in Singapore! I’m looking forward to the seeing the upgrades on my car as they worked well for Lando last weekend. The steps we’ve made forward should allow for more strong drives and positive results to see the season out."

"It’s great to be heading back to Japan for another returning race on the calendar! We’re looking forward to going racing again with the short turnaround from Singapore. The Japanese fans are always so passionate so it will be another event full of energy.

"Suzuka is a demanding track for the drivers, but Lando and Daniel are well prepared for the challenges the second part of the Asia double-header provides.

"The team are all aware that there is a tough fight ahead of us to make fourth place ours in the Constructors’ Championship. The standings can change in a single weekend as we saw after Singapore, so we must focus on keeping the battle in our own hands in the final five races."

We have so much history in Japan that we don't know where to start.

James Hunt won our first Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji Speedway in 1977, and since then, we've earned eight more victories, becoming the most successful team in the race's history.

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to stories from Japan - Mika Häkkinen sealed both of his World Championships at Suzuka with wins in the 1998 and '99 editions of the race.

Meanwhile, Jenson Button served up our most recent win at the track in 2011, adding his name to a list of race winners that also includes Ayrton Senna (1988, 1993), Gerhard Berger (1991), Kimi Räikkönen (2005), and Lewis Hamilton (2007). Button's win is often referred to as his greatest in F1, while Räikkönen's 2005 victory is a particular highlight, with the Finn starting back in 17th.

Our F1 titles in 1989 and '90 were infamously sealed after collisions between Senna and Prost

Häkkinen isn't the only driver to have won a title in Japan, either. Hunt sealed his 1976 F1 World Championship with a podium there.

To add to that list, Senna won the Drivers' Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix in 1988, '90 and '91, and Alain Prost in 1989. The titles in '89 and '90 were infamously sealed after collisions between Senna and Prost - the first while McLaren teammates, and the second after Prost had switched to Ferrari.

Having not raced in Japan since 2019, Lando's history at the circuit is just the single race, with the Briton finishing 11th back in his maiden season of F1. Daniel has nine races in Japan under his belt, including a podium in 2017, but this will be his debut at the track in McLaren colours.

Formula 1-themed hats, for starters – not that you'd be able to miss them. The Japanese supporters' homemade headwear is the stuff of legend, having previously included McLaren cars and circuit models.

Then there's the food, from sushi and sashimi to Kobe beef, tempura and miso soup – there's something for everyone. You'll also want to scratch up on your singing voice, given that karaoke is a big part of Japanese culture.

The Japanese supporters' homemade headwear is the stuff of legend

When it comes to on-track action, there are few tougher challenges of an F1 driver than the Suzuka circuit. It's a track of two halves, with a technical start to the lap, and a high-speed finish, each defined by an iconic section.

The first sector is an excellent example of the aerodynamic potential of the cars, with the track falling and rising through challenging changes of direction. It's a narrow segment surrounded by grass and gravel traps, meaning there's little room for error.

The second half features the 130R. Previously named due to its 130-metre radius, the corner was tweaked for safety reasons, but still provides a stern challenge and remains an overtaking opportunity, with a move possible under braking into the following chicane.

Bucket hats are back! Lando was ahead of the curve on this one - he's been telling us that bucket hats are in all season, but let's be honest, you weren't going to believe it until you saw it in black and white papaya, were you?

Crafted with lightweight Gore-tex Infinium fabric, we've created a bucket hat that's effortlessly cool and perfect for everyday wear.

If you're somehow still not convinced that bucket hats are back – and trust us, we'll win you over on this one – then why not go for a classic New Era cap instead?

Made using the same lightweight Gore-tex Infinium fabric, with a subtle McLaren speedmark on the front, there shouldn't be any need to persuade you on the merits of this one. 

Every week, our social channels and the MTC post room are chock-a-block with amazing art pieces that our fans have created and sent to us. Going through them always warms our hearts, and so we wanted to share the love.

Whether you're a skilled sketcher, a budding paper mache artist, or prefer to paint by numbers, our new McLaren Creators segment will highlight our favourite pieces from our inspired fanbase.

This week we're spotlighting Margot from France.

"I’ve been following Formula 1 since I was very young, even if at the time I didn’t understand much about it! It’s something that comes from my family since they are all passionate about motorsport!

"It was only recently that I got back to it, combining my passions for drawing and Formula 1, in order to create artworks! I like to draw, it’s something rather soothing and I love to transcribe what I like in my style, it’s a way for me to express myself! I create works on the theme of F1. My main work is digital, but I also like to use other media such as watercolour, markers or pencils.

"McLaren is a team that I love a lot, not only because of its history, but also because of the way they communicate, always dynamic and forward-looking! Lando and Daniel are among my favourite drivers. Daniel is always smiling, funny and he makes sure that the good mood is present everywhere he goes! He pays attention to others and always tries to do his best!

"Lando is just as funny! He has remained a child and has fun bothering others! What makes him a great teammate! But what I love about him is that when he does something he likes, he gives it his all, and he also knows how to be serious when necessary! Finally, what I love about McLaren, Lando and Daniel. It’s always thinking about the positive, sharing emotions and being part of such a caring family!"

Get your hands on our limited edition cyberpunk T-shirt

So you've seen the 'Future Mode' OKX livery on the MCL36, and now you want to wear it too?

Look no further, as we're giving some lucky winners a chance to get their hands on one of the matching - and incredibly popular - OKX tees for absolutely nothing, and we've even had a Team Cap signed by Lando and Daniel so that you can complete the look. Click here to enter. 

Don't want to leave it up to chance? The T-shirts also available for sale on the McLaren Store. 

Exclusive bundle including a special "Future Mode" T-Shirt and a signed team cap

Mika on what we can learn from the similarities between his time at McLaren and the current team

The Singapore Grand Prix according to social media

Lando secured his second-best result of the season after a brutal two-hour slog in Singapore

A resounding recovery from 16th to fifth earned The Honey Badger his best result of the season

McLaren's most memorable Japanese GP moments

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