The McLaren Formula 1 team has revealed its 2026 contender and title-defender hopeful from the Bahrain International Circuit, broadcast on YouTube.
The reveal featured comments from Andrea Stella, Zak Brown and both drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
McLaren showed fans a video highlighting their 2025 season, which saw them claim not just a back-to-back Constructors’ titles but also Lando Norris claim his maiden championship.
Both drivers discussed the recent season and the preparation required by the new regulations. Piastri touched on how the drivers will be busier in the cockpit, with more to do on their end.
McLaren also announced the creation of the McLaren Racing Club, a free fan club that provides access to the team’s many fan events.
The team revealed their new kit for the upcoming season, the predominantly papaya shirts and race suits. The race suits feature black stripes down the legs, while the team kit has a solid black panel across the chest with a black stripe beneath.
The MCL40 featured the classic Papaya colour that has become synonymous with the team. Once again, the car featured carbon fibre patches, in keeping with previous years at McLaren, while each side was predominantly papaya, with a carbon fibre nose cone and a diagonal stripe.
In livery, the car is very similar to last year’s, as Zak Brown admitted he was hesitant to change something that worked so well.
Rob Marshall was also brought in with Andrea Stella to discuss the undertaking of designing a new car under new regulations. Marshall noted the lower, narrower front wing and a shorter, lighter car, with the aim of promoting overtaking.
The livery will debut in Bahrain this week during pre-season testing, giving fans their first opportunity to see the MCL40 in action ahead of Melbourne.
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