An Australian First: Airwallex, the McLaren Formula 1 Team, and Reko Rennie Celebrate 2025 Melbourne GP with Unique Partnership

• Airwallex partners with the McLaren Formula 1 Team and First Nations contemporary artist, Reko Rennie to unveil a bespoke McLaren Artura supercar ahead of the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025

• Airwallex launches AUD$25K worth of business and professional grants to reward Australian businesses that have shifted perspectives to break down barriers to growth

• Melbourne’s economy set for major boost during race week with anticipated record crowd

MELBOURNE, Australia – 26 February 2025 – Leading Australian-founded global financial platform, Airwallex, is set to launch its ‘Shifted Perspectives’ campaign for the 2025 Formula 1(F1) season with the McLaren Formula 1 Team and acclaimed First Nations artist, Reko Rennie. 

Ahead of the F1 Australian Grand Prix kick-off on 13 March, Airwallex will unveil an Australian-first collaboration, bringing together technology, art, and sporting prowess to showcase the value of ‘shifting perspectives’.

A Creative Take on Innovation Across Sports and Business

As an Official Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, Airwallex is elevating this partnership through a creative collaboration with Reko Rennie, an internationally renowned Kamilaroi artist. Rennie’s bold, thought-provoking work explores Indigenous identity and modern urban culture, and his vision for this project embodies the concept of ‘shifting perspectives’. 

His bespoke design will transform the McLaren Artura Coupe – a high-performance hybrid supercar – into a striking sculptural installation, blending art, and performance, as well as Airwallex and McLaren’s spirit of innovation. 

The McLaren Artura featuring Rennie’s design will be on public display at Queensbridge Square from 13-16 March, offering fans the chance to witness the one-of-a-kind design in person. 

“At Airwallex, we believe in pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo—whether in business, sport, or art. This collaboration with McLaren Racing and Reko Rennie is a testament to that mindset,” said Jon Stona, VP, Global Marketing, Airwallex. “With Oscar Piastri leading the charge for Australia on the F1 circuit, we want to inspire Australian businesses to think differently, shift their perspectives, and seize opportunities on a global stage.”

Reko Rennie adds: “This is an amazing opportunity to combine two of my passions. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for cars and the innovation behind them. Merging my art, which is deeply rooted in my culture, with the global stage is a true fusion of worlds and my various influences. I’m excited to unveil the design and a film showcasing my inspiration during the F1 – a time when my home city of Melbourne truly comes to life.” 

Investing in Business Innovation

To drive innovation and borderless business growth, Airwallex will also launch a business grant initiative to support Australian founders and professionals who embody the spirit of ambition and bold thinking. AUD$25,000 in funding is focused on three categories – Business Acceleration Grant, First Nations Business Grant, and Professional Acceleration Grant – to help local businesses capitalise on new opportunities and scale with confidence. Applications are open until 12 March. Winners will be announced during an exclusive Airwallex event on 12 March.

The Formula 1 Effect

The F1 Australian Grand Prix has long been an economic powerhouse for Melbourne, with the 2023 event generating an estimated $268 million in economic impact and drawing a record 452,055 attendees over four days in 2024. 

With 2025 tickets selling out in under an hour and surging international attention, this year’s event is expected to drive even greater financial benefits across the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. 

Media enquiries

For media inquiries, please contact airwallex@thrivepr.com.au

About Airwallex

Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With our proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 150,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN, and many more. For more information, visit http://www.airwallex.com

About McLaren Racing

McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 21 Formula 1 world championships, 189 Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.   

McLaren Racing competes across five racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with drivers Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard, and F1 Academy with Driver Development programme member Ella Lloyd. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow with Lucas Blakeley, Wilson Hughes, and Alfie Butcher. 

McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.  

McLaren Racing – Official Website 

About McLaren Automotive:

McLaren Automotive is a producer of ultra high-performance, lightweight supercars including Artura. Launched in 2010, the company is now the largest part of the McLaren Group.

Headquartered at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey, England, McLaren Automotive is driven by the challenge of creating the world’s most exhilarating, engaging and benchmark setting vehicles. Leveraging over 60 years of history in authentic, racing performance, McLaren has delivered some of the most spectacular supercars ever made.

McLaren Racing – Official Website

About Reko Rennie

Reko Rennie is an interdisciplinary artist who explores his First Nations identity through contemporary media. Through his art, Rennie provokes discussion surrounding Indigenous culture and identity in contemporary urban environments. Largely autobiographical, his commanding works combine the iconography of his Kamilaroi heritage with stylistic elements of graffiti. 

Reko Rennie has exhibited across Australia, Asia, the United States and Europe, receiving the prestigious Victorian Indigenous Art Award and had his work projected across the Sydney Opera House. His recent exhibition, REKOSPECTIVE, opened at the NGV in Melbourne and included more than 100 works traversing canvas, video, installation and a 15-metre-wide light sculpture.