McLaren Unveils MCL40; Norris to Carry No.1 in Title Defense

McLaren revealed the MCL40 and its 2026 papaya-and-black livery at the Bahrain International Circuit, becoming the penultimate team to show its new look ahead of pre‑season testing. The garage-presented design stays broadly in line with recent years but leans more heavily on papaya with a revised black pattern on the engine cover; McLaren described it as its final papaya-and-black scheme. McLaren also promoted Mastercard to title sponsor, increasing its branding on the car — the team’s first title sponsor since Vodafone more than a decade ago.

McLaren ran an unofficial shakedown in Barcelona in late January in a black camouflage wrap, completing 287 laps — fewer than Mercedes’ 500, with only Audi, Cadillac and Aston Martin recording fewer among the 10 teams present. The MCL40’s fastest time in Barcelona sat within 0.25 seconds of Lewis Hamilton’s benchmark lap; team principal Andrea Stella said that underlines Mercedes “has raised the bar.” The car will remain in Bahrain for the two scheduled test blocks on Feb 11–13 and Feb 18–20 as McLaren continues on‑track preparations ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 8.

The launch framed McLaren’s bid to defend both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles after securing a record‑equalling constructors’ crown and Lando Norris’ maiden drivers’ title in Abu Dhabi in 2025; Norris will carry the No. 1 on the MCL40, with Oscar Piastri alongside him. Racing CEO Zak Brown said early indicators point to competitiveness while urging caution about firm conclusions this early, and some bookmakers have already flagged Mercedes and George Russell as early favorites. With F1’s 2026 regulation reset expected to reshape the grid, the MCL40 launch served as both a visual reveal and a technical preview of how McLaren intends to defend its double titles. As of the Bahrain event, Aston Martin remained the only team yet to show its 2026 livery, with the Adrian Newey–designed AMR26 scheduled for an unveiling Monday evening.