McLaren take covers off their 2023 F1 car, the MCL60

McLaren have become the latest F1 team to kick off the final phase of their preparation for the 2023 F1 season by revealing their MCL60 and livery during a launch presentation at their Technology Centre HQ.

The Woking-based outfit today unveiled the team’s new driver line-up in front of fans and the world’s media at the OKX Thought Leadership Centre at McLaren’s HQ, ahead of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

With a new chapter firmly underway following Andrea Stella’s move from Executive Director to F1 Team Principal, the team will start their 60th Anniversary celebrations by welcoming rookie driver and 2021 FIA Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri to pilot the MCL60 alongside Brit Lando Norris.

The MCL60 features a striking papaya orange and blue livery, the colours first carried by the team in the 1960s, which have since become a team favourite since their reintroduction in 2018.

Designed under the leadership of Technical Director James Key and produced by the team in Woking, led by Operations Director Piers Thynne, the MCL60 will be powered by the Mercedes-AMG F1 M14 E Performance that is integrated into the McLaren chassis and gearbox with support from Mercedes HPP in Brixworth, UK.

Speaking as the MCL60 was unveiled, Brown said: “We are delighted to launch our 2023 Formula 1 team with Lando and Oscar at the wheel as we celebrate 60 years of McLaren Racing.

“This year’s driver line-up is extremely exciting as Lando, an intelligent and confident driver with excellent pace, is joined by one of the biggest up-and-coming talents in motorsport with Oscar.

“2022 was a challenging season in our continued effort to push towards the front of the grid. We learnt a lot which has been taken into the off-season as the entire team works hard to prepare for another year.

“Under the guidance of Andrea Stella, who moved into the position of Team Principal in December 2022, we have an excellent team to spearhead the 2023 season and can look forward to seeing our young driver duo continue to grow their partnership throughout the upcoming campaign.”

Speaking ahead of the new season, Team Principal Andrea Stella said: “It’s an honour to lead McLaren Racing into the team’s 60th anniversary season. We have a committed and talented group of people at McLaren, and we are all looking forward to taking the MCL60 racing, after the hard work and the efforts over the last months, in all areas of the team.

“During our time away from racing, we have enjoyed welcoming Oscar to the McLaren Technology Centre and we have worked together to build strong relationships and to be fully prepared for the start of his career in Formula 1. He has quickly integrated in the team and gained much respect, thanks to his humility, bright intellect, and dedication. It’s also been great to resume the work with Lando, who is now showing the qualities of a leader as he supports the journey of the team. Lando and Oscar form such a strong and talented driver line-up and we are very much looking forward to the 2023 season with them at the wheel of the MCL60.

“Together with our colleagues at Mercedes HPP, we can take great pride in our strong collaboration in the realisation of the MCL60 and in the joined efforts to the pursuit of moving back up the grid.

“We are aware we have work to do as we enter the 2023 season, but everyone in the team is totally focused and committed to making our 60th anniversary year a special one," Stella said.

Speaking ahead of his fifth season in Formula One, Norris said: “The off-season has been good but I'm looking forward to getting back on track and behind the wheel of the MCL60 for the first time. The new car looks great, and everyone involved in the build has played an important role.

“This is my fifth year in Formula 1 and I’m hoping to carry positive momentum into the new season after a year of racing under the new era of regulations. It’s been a good challenge adapting to them and I feel that I’m in a positive position to keep on improving as a driver. I’ve enjoyed my journey with the team so far and to be involved in McLaren’s 60th anniversary is a privilege. I’ll continue to work hard alongside Oscar throughout this significant year as we look to maximise opportunities to score points.”

Looking forward to his debut season at the pinnacle of motorsport, Piastri added: “I’m delighted to get started with McLaren and make my F1 debut this season. The off-season has been great for me, and I’ve been working hard to prepare for the upcoming year. The time I’ve spent at the factory and in the sim has been enjoyable and productive, and everyone in the team has been welcoming. I’ve settled in well and I’m now fully focused on getting out on track in Bahrain.

“The MCL60 is very impressive and it’s going to be a memorable year, not just for me in my rookie season but also as a team celebrating 60 years of McLaren Racing. The challenge ahead is an exciting one and I’m looking forward to driving with Lando as we work hard to pick up points throughout the season.”