McLaren Method 1 followers had been handled to photographs of the staff’s 2025 challenger, full with a putting camouflage livery, because the staff put the MCL39 by means of a filming session at historic Silverstone Circuit on Thursday.
Nonetheless, if these followers had been hoping that was the staff’s official search for the 2025 season, they’re in for a little bit of disappointment.
McLaren introduced their new challenger to the observe for a filming day, however the staff confirmed they may unveil their 2025 livery on the upcoming F1 season launch occasion subsequent week at The O2 in London. In response to the staff “[t]he design will characteristic a few of the world’s largest manufacturers and [organizations] as McLaren’s precious companions proceed to help the staff each on and off observe.”
The staff additionally confirmed that this 12 months’s challenger can be named the MCL39, conserving with their latest naming conventions.
“Right this moment is an enormous milestone in our journey within the battle for the 2025 title. It’s nice to get our Championship challenger, the MCL39, on observe for the primary time and to launch the end result of the staff’s exhausting work,” stated McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
“We have to be lifelike that each staff can have made progress over the winter. Final 12 months highlighted simply how a lot the grid has closed up, which is an excellent factor for the game. We imagine now we have made additional steps ahead for the reason that Championship-winning MCL38 however we received’t know the place we sit within the standings till we get into Qualifying in Australia,” added Brown. “We’re a staff that by no means stops racing and we’ll be giving it our all to convey each Championships again to Woking.”
Group Principal Andrea Stella predicted a “difficult” season.
“We’re excited to see the MCL39 hit the observe for the primary time at Silverstone Circuit as we speak. While we completed final 12 months as Champions, 2024 highlighted how extremely aggressive the grid is, which is one thing that may carry by means of to this 12 months’s Championship. We subsequently should preserve centered to compete on the entrance on this tight subject. It’s going to be an thrilling however extremely difficult 12 months forward,” stated Stella.
“The staff have labored extraordinarily exhausting to organize as greatest as attainable for the beginning of the season. We discovered loads from our battles final 12 months, so we take this and use it to push our aim for the 12 months,” added the McLaren boss.
“My thanks go to the whole staff for his or her work to get the automobile prepared for as we speak, in addition to our colleagues at Mercedes HPP for his or her continued collaboration. We now concentrate on the work forward to make sure we maximise our time in testing earlier than the primary aggressive session in Australia.”
The drivers additionally took to the observe in one-off race kits, dubbed “stealth mode” by the staff:
Lando Norris, believed by many to be a front-runner for the 2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship, additionally predicted a “aggressive” season.
“It’s thrilling to hop within the MCL39 for the primary time and see what it will probably do on observe, forward of pre-season testing in Bahrain. The camo livery is a enjoyable one and it’s nice to have the ability to showcase one thing completely different forward of our full livery reveal on the official F175 launch,” stated Norris.
“Thanks to the whole staff for his or her work in getting us up to now. This 12 months shall be extra aggressive than ever, so we’ve bought loads to do to have the ability to retain our Constructors’ title and go for the Drivers’ as effectively,” added Norris.
“I’ve been again on the MTC prepping for the season forward and the temper is feeling constructive however centered. We’re all trying ahead to getting the automobile on observe in Bahrain forward of our aggressive debut in Australia and to see the place we internet out amongst the opposite groups. It’s shaping as much as be an thrilling season.”
Oscar Piastri, who broke by means of with a pair of Grand Prix wins final season, hopes to hold the staff’s momentum into 2025.
“It’s nice to get behind the wheel of the MCL39 for the primary time forward of us placing it by means of its paces in Bahrain. The camo livery seems to be cool and I’m excited to showcase what we’ll be racing on this season on the official livery reveal subsequent week,” stated Piastri.
“I’ve been working exhausting within the low season to make sure I’m prepared for the season forward. The margins on the prime are prone to be extremely tight however I’m excited by the room for progress after two seasons within the sport. Profitable Grands Prix early in my profession has given me the style for fulfillment and I would like way more,” added the Australian driver.
“As a staff, we are able to take nice momentum into 2025 after such a superb 12 months in 2024. A giant thanks to everybody again at base and trackside for all of the exhausting work that’s been finished up to now.”