The new MCL39 car marks an exciting chapter for McLaren, with AkzoNobel’s advanced coatings technology playing a crucial role in enhancing performance and durability.
The innovative coatings from international supplier AkzoNobel
remain a crucial element in the McLaren Formula 1 Team’s pursuit of success as they prepare for the 2025 season. As the team’s Official Partner for Coatings Solutions, AkzoNobel plays an indispensable role in enhancing McLaren’s track performance, supporting every lap, pit stop, and crossing of the checkered flag.
“We heavily rely on Intertherm 50 as our general heat-resistant, reflective coating. We also apply it to the internal surfaces of the heatshield – so the unmoulded face gets a layer of Intertherm 50 as another protective barrier from the heat,” has stated McLaren’s Principal Composites Engineer, Steve Foster.
In the high-stakes environment of Formula 1, temperature control is critical, especially when engine and exhaust components can reach scorching temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. AkzoNobel’s advanced thermal management solutions, including the Intertherm 50 high-temperature coating, are essential in ensuring that McLaren’s car can withstand these extreme conditions. The silver-coloured Intertherm 50 coating is applied to key components on the underside of the MCL39, providing heat shielding and contributing to the overall durability and performance of the vehicle.
“It’s an aluminum pigmented, thin-film silicone coating – its silver color comes from the aluminum. In the Marine and Protective Coatings business, we typically use Intertherm 50 on high temperature process pipes and equipment found in the oil and gas markets. McLaren has found that the aluminum in Intertherm 50 reflects a large amount of the infrared heat rays that hit it. This reflective property is why you see marathon runners wrapped in foil. The heat they give out is captured inside the blanket, which allows them to regulate their temperature as their body heat drops,” has stated Ian Fletcher, AkzoNobel’s Senior Product Manager.
AkzoNobel’s partnership with McLaren extends beyond just aesthetics or surface protection. In fact, their coatings technology is a vital part of the team's strategy to stay ahead of the competition in one of the most demanding motorsport environments. With every turn and every race, AkzoNobel’s expertise helps ensure McLaren can perform at the highest level, under the most extreme conditions.
Driving Innovation
Since partnering with McLaren Racing in 2008, AkzoNobel has made significant strides in paint technology, fostering continuous innovation. This collaboration has expanded into various areas, with the Coral brand recently joining forces with McLaren Racing for a "Let’s Colour" project near the Interlagos circuit in São Paulo (Brazil). The initiative featured a vibrant mural painted on a local community center, aimed at raising awareness for gender equality.