Images by McLaren
McLaren unveils special livery for Alonso farewell
McLaren has unveiled a one-off livery that it will run at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in tribute to Fernando Alonso’s final Formula 1 race.
The unique livery features the blue, yellow and red colors that make up Alonso’s current helmet design, which will be carried across the engine cover, as well as a special FA logo -- also in the same colors -- on the front and sides of the cockpit.
Alonso will race with the livery on what is set to be his 312th and last grand prix start. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says the team was keen to mark the occasion in a distinctive way, leading to the one-off livery.
“We’re incredibly pleased and proud to be able to race a special one-off livery for Fernando in Abu Dhabi this weekend,” Brown said. “We want his last grand prix to feel special in every way, and this was just one of the ways we could reflect that.
“We worked closely and collaboratively Fernando, and then with the FIA and Formula 1 to make the change for this one race, and they were all hugely supportive of the move.
“Hopefully, this will give Fernando’s fans a little something extra to look forward to at what is bound to be an especially emotional weekend.”
As well as Alonso, teammate Stoffel Vandoorne is also due to start his last race for McLaren on Sunday before moving to Formula E, with the team asking fans to send in messages for both drivers to display inside the garage throughout the weekend.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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