McLaren has unveiled the livery the team will use during this week’s closed tests in Barcelona. Through a series of digital renders the British outfit gave a first look at the MCL40, the car McLaren will use to defend its title in 2026. The final livery remains secret for now. At the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will complete their running in a predominantly black car.
The shown colour scheme was specially designed for the shakedown in Barcelona and differs from the definitive livery, which will be revealed on 9 February during the official season launch. It is likely that McLaren will then return to the traditional papaya colours. In Barcelona McLaren went with a black design, featuring grey elements and papaya accents. Notably, race number one is displayed on the nose and flanks of the MCL40; reigning world champion Lando Norris will race with number one for the first time this year.
The MCL40 will hit the track for the first time this week in Barcelona; unlike, for example, Mercedes and Ferrari, McLaren has not yet organised its own shakedown. Teams are allowed to run three of the five days during these private tests. The exact test programme of the constructors’ champions is still unknown. What is clear is that McLaren will not take part on Monday, to maximise the MCL40’s development time.
