Shifting perspectives: The art of innovation
Discover the transformative power of perspective with driver Lando Norris and CFO Laura Bowden at McLaren Racing. Explore how changing viewpoints can turn obstacles into opportunities, leading to breakthroughs in both sport and industry, driving success on the racetrack and beyond.
It's only when we shift our perspective, that we start to see what's possible
Learn how we created a 3D sculpture of McLaren racing driver Lando Norris, and how a shift in perspective can lead to a step change in performance.
We built cross-border payments to be different
At Airwallex, we’ve taken a view on global payments that’s helped to turn obstacles into opportunities, problems into possibilities, and barriers into the building blocks of growth for customers around the world. It's precisely this global lightning-fast payments network that helps McLaren Racing execute the racing calendar. More importantly, McLaren Racing must ensure it stays within the cost cap, striking a balance between investment, expenditure, and risk. This critical task falls to the finance team. They must build a cross-border financial operation that not only keeps up with the team, but frees up resource to reinvest.
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Change your perspective on global finance
Join Laura Bowden, CFO at McLaren Racing, as she shares her journey, from the intricacies of managing a Formula 1 team's finances to the innovative strategies required to uphold competitive and operational excellence in a high-speed landscape.
Shifted perspectives: Brought to life at the Singapore Grand Prix
Join Lando Norris, renowned artist Michael Murphy, and the Airwallex community for a behind the scenes view as they unveil a groundbreaking sculpture at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Frequently asked questions
How can Airwallex help my business?
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 100,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more.
What is 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 20 Formula 1 world championships, 183 Formula 1 grands 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, Alexander Rossi and David Malukas, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Jake Hughes and Sam Bird, and the Extreme E Championship as the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team. The team also competes in the F1 Sim Racing Championship as McLaren Shadow, having won the 2022 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
How is Airwallex working with McLaren Racing?
McLaren uses Airwallex to optimize its supply chain payments for all Grands Prix. McLaren’s previous approach limited payment to suppliers, such as hotel and event space providers, to a singular currency account, based in the UK, resulting in high foreign exchange (FX) charges, slow transfer time, and additional SWIFT fees.
Airwallex’s financial technology unlocks multi-currency payment options for McLaren, providing the company the ability to hold core currencies and exchange them with speed and ease at any point. By leveraging our extensive global proprietary payment rail network, Airwallex can help to reduce the amount of SWIFT fees that may be payable.
As part of this partnership, Airwallex will also provide technology to support the launch and ongoing operation of McLaren’s digital partner merchandise platform - further enhancing their multi-currency collection capabilities and allowing them to offer a broad range of global and local payment options.
How can local currency accounts help my business save on transaction fees?
Local currency accounts can be used to avoid unnecessary conversion fees and to save on everyday expenses. You can collect payments from your international customers in their preferred currency and then spend those proceeds later in the same currency (for example, to pay global suppliers and employees), thereby eliminating unnecessary conversion fees. You can also benefit from holding funds in a foreign currency until FX rates are favourable enough to convert these funds to your home currency.Find out more.