World Champions McLaren Unveils Striking New Livery for 2026 Season Ahead of Pre-Season Testing
In a highly anticipated event, McLaren Racing has officially introduced its eye-catching livery for the 2026 Formula 1 season during a live broadcast from the Bahrain International Circuit. With just two days until the first official pre-season test, the Woking-based team showcased its new look, maintaining the iconic papaya color palette that helped them secure last season’s championship.
The unveiling featured a strong presence from McLaren’s reigning World Champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri, alongside Team Principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown. Chief Marketing Officer Lou McEwen and Chief Designer Rob Marshall also participated, highlighting the new design elements that blend tradition with innovation.
This year’s livery continues to incorporate the familiar papaya alongside anthracite accents and subtle hints of teal, following McLaren’s tradition of carrying over winning designs from one season to the next. The color scheme is reflected in the drivers’ fire suits, which feature an all-papaya front, enhancing their visual identity on the track.
“We’re thrilled to present our 2026 challenger’s livery from our second home in Bahrain,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown. “The papaya color has become iconic, and we’re excited to maintain the champions’ spirit. Our design balances creativity with aerodynamic performance, producing a striking competitor for the new era of Formula 1.”
Team Principal Stella echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead with new regulations coming into play in 2026. “We’re stepping into a new chapter as an independent challenger facing top manufacturers. While we learn from our past successes, every team starts anew with these regulations, and our focus is on hitting the ground running.”
The MCL40 made its initial on-track appearance at the recent Barcelona Shakedown, donning a temporary black and grey livery for testing purposes. Norris, who will race with the number 1 after clinching the title in 2025, emphasized the significance of the team’s success and the excitement of defending their championship amid heightened competition.
“Being back in Bahrain to unveil our livery feels fantastic,” said Norris. “The new design looks great, and I’m eager to continue racing in the colors that represented our success last year. It’s incredible to be World Champions, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve in this new era of Formula 1.”
Piastri also expressed enthusiasm about the new look and the upcoming challenges. “The MCL40’s new livery looks excellent, and it’s great that we are carrying through our championship-winning design. We have a big challenge with the new regulations, but I’m ready to tackle this new era head-on.”
McLaren’s 2026 livery will debut on track during the first pre-season test in Bahrain from February 11-13, where all 11 teams will gather to gather crucial performance data ahead of the revised regulations.
