Lando Norris has taken to the track for the first time in the new McLaren MCL39. The Woking team has outpaced the competition by revealing the first images of its 2025 challenger. A surprising but not unprecedented decision, ahead of the collective presentation on February 18. Initial impressions behind the wheel are positive for the young Briton, who will be among the title favorites.
After weeks of speculation, merchandise photos, and scattered hints about liveries and technical details, McLaren has officially kicked off the 2025 season. The team hit the track at Silverstone, making use of the filming day for the MCL39’s first shakedown. This car will bear the tough responsibility of defending the Constructors’ Championship title.
Rival teams are waiting, while Williams could unveil Carlos Sainz’s new car on February 14. Ferrari, on the other hand, is gearing up for a highly anticipated London event, after which the first images of the SF-25 will be released. The world championship battle looks set to be wide open, with no one daring to count out four-time champion Max Verstappen.
MCL39 Shakedown, Lando Norris on the New McLaren: “At the Factory, We’re Positive but Focused”
Lando Norris was the first to take the McLaren MCL39 out on track. The Briton, arguably the team leader at Woking, will need to put past struggles behind him and prove greater maturity: “It’s exciting to step into the MCL39 for the first time and see what it can do on track ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain.”
“The camouflage livery is fun, and it’s great to showcase something different before unveiling our 2025 design at the official season launch. Thanks to the entire team for the work done to get us to this point. This year will be more competitive than ever, so we have a lot to do to defend our Constructors’ title and fight for the Drivers’ Championship as well.”
“I’ve been back at the MTC preparing for the season ahead, and the atmosphere is positive but focused. We’re all eager to get the car on track in Bahrain before the Australian Grand Prix and see where we stand among the other teams. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season.”
McLaren MCL39: Photos of the Special Camouflage Livery
For the first shakedown at Silverstone, McLaren did not reveal its official 2025 livery. The teams will present their “uniforms” only on February 18 during the collective event in London. However, the British outfit opted against running with a plain monochrome livery, choosing something different instead.
The result is a striking camouflage livery, reminiscent of past designs used by Red Bull and Alfa Romeo-Sauber. Unfortunately for fans hoping to see it remain on the grid, the Silverstone livery will be replaced by the official design for the rest of the season. The pre-season tests in Bahrain are scheduled from February 26 to 28.
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