How do you follow up on a Formula 1 championship winner?
Although McLaren largely answered that question last year by producing a car that was simply stronger all-round than its predecessor, with enough innovation in its suspension systems to create something of a buffer over the rest of the field, 2026 presents a very different scenario. Per chief designer Rob Marshall, “every nut and bolt” on the MCL40 differs to the MCL39.
But, as he pointed out later at a McLaren launch event, it’s the same team – same systems, same infrastructure, same predilection for orange hues. Or not, as the testing livery seems to be a tribute to the Ron Dennis era of ‘dynamic, predatory grey’ liveries; the real thing will emerge in February with a greater concentration of papaya.
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– The Autosport.com Team