Janice R. Andrews
McLaren has made history by becoming the first Formula 1 team to unveil its 2025 car design, the MCL39, during a season launch event at Silverstone. However, due to temporary restrictions, the car was revealed in a unique camouflage livery, blending the team’s iconic papaya orange with black geometric patterns. This striking design is a placeholder until the official livery reveal at the F1 75 Live event in London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday.
The MCL39 retains key design elements from its predecessor, including the pull-rod front suspension layout, but features notable updates, particularly around the engine cover and air intake. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown emphasized the significance of the launch, calling it a “big milestone” in the team’s quest for the 2025 championship.
A Competitive Grid Ahead
Brown acknowledged the fierce competition in F1, stating that every team has likely made progress over the winter. “Last year highlighted just how much the grid has closed up, which is a brilliant thing for the sport,” he said. McLaren, the 2024 constructors’ champions, aims to build on its success but remains cautious about its standing until the first race in Australia.
Team principal Andrea Stella echoed this sentiment, noting the challenges of maintaining competitiveness in such a tight field. “Whilst we finished last year as champions, 2024 highlighted how highly competitive the grid is,” Stella said. “We must keep focused to compete at the front in this tight field.”
Drivers Embrace the Camo Livery
Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were present at the launch, with both set to test the MCL39 during a filming day at Silverstone. Norris described the camouflage livery as “fun” and praised the team for showcasing something unique ahead of the official reveal. Piastri, meanwhile, expressed excitement about getting behind the wheel of the new car for the first time.
The MCL39’s temporary livery is part of a broader agreement among all 10 F1 teams to fully reveal their 2025 designs at the F1 75 Live event. Williams, which is set to launch its FW47 on Friday, will also adhere to these restrictions.
McLaren’s Championship Ambitions
McLaren’s 2024 constructors’ title marked its first in 26 years, but the team is still chasing its first drivers’ championship since 2008. Norris came close in 2024, battling Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, but ultimately fell short. With the 2025 season expected to feature a multi-team battle for both titles, McLaren has its sights set on achieving its first championship double since Mika Hakkinen’s dominant 1998 campaign.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Stella highlighted the importance of learning from past battles. “We learned a lot from our challenges last year, and we’ll use this to push our goals for 2025,” he said.
What’s Next for McLaren?
The MCL39 will undergo further testing in Bahrain, where its true potential will be revealed. With a strong foundation from its 2024 success and a renewed focus on innovation, McLaren is poised to remain a top contender in the 2025 season. Fans eagerly await the official livery reveal and the start of what promises to be another thrilling year in Formula 1.
McLaren’s bold camouflage livery and early reveal have set the stage for an exciting season, as the team aims to defend its constructors’ title and finally secure the drivers’ championship that has eluded it for over a decade.
