McLaren unveils 2026 MCL40 Livery in Bahrain

McLaren has lifted the covers off its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the MCL40, during a launch event streamed live from Bahrain — a symbolic choice given the nation’s long‑standing ties to the team’s ownership.

The reveal brought together CEO Zak Brown, Team Principal Andrea Stella, drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Chief Marketing Officer Lou McEwen, and Chief Designer Rob Marshall, who presented a livery that blends heritage with the confidence of a reigning champion.

True to McLaren tradition, the team has carried forward its title‑winning colours after securing both the 2025 Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. The MCL40 continues the now‑iconic papaya base, sharpened by anthracite sections and subtle teal accents.

The design philosophy extends to the drivers’ overalls, with Norris and Piastri set to wear papaya‑fronted, anthracite‑backed suits featuring their numbers — 1 and 81 — in bold team colours.

Brown emphasised the balance between aesthetics and performance, noting that the livery was shaped with aerodynamic considerations in mind.

“The iconic papaya continues on the MCL40 as we keep our tradition of carrying Championship‑winning liveries through to the next season,” he said. “We’ve balanced creative direction with aero considerations to create this striking 2026 competitor.”

He also paid tribute to the organisation behind the scenes: “Thank you to all our committed shareholders and partners, without whom we simply wouldn’t be able to go racing… We’re all excited to see it hit the track.”

The MCL40 is McLaren’s first car built to the sweeping 2026 Formula 1 regulations, which have forced teams to rethink their concepts from the ground up. The car has already completed a shakedown in Barcelona and will next run during a promotional day on 10 February, before joining the field for the opening Bahrain pre‑season test on 11 February.

Stella acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead: “2026 marks a new challenge as we take on a new era of Formula 1 regulations… the whole grid is restarting from zero and our past achievements count for nothing.”

Despite that, he expressed confidence in the team’s foundations: “We have the best combination of team, driver pairing, collaboration with Mercedes HPP, partners, and fans to be able to do this.”

Reigning World Champion Lando Norris returns with the number 1 on his car for the first time in his career. The Briton was energised by the launch atmosphere in Bahrain: “The design looks great and I'm excited to continue racing in the colours which were part of our huge success last year,” he said.

Reflecting on his title, he added: “To win the Championship with the team I've been with since the beginning was incredible… I'm excited to see what we can achieve in this new era.”

Teammate Oscar Piastri, who played a crucial role in McLaren’s 2025 campaign, echoed the optimism: “The new livery on our MCL40 looks excellent… It’s always fun to race in a papaya car.”

Looking ahead to the regulation reset, he said: “We’ve got a big challenge ahead with the new regulations, but I come into this year with a lot of positivity… I am feeling stronger than ever.”