McLaren has officially lifted the veil on the MCL40, revealing the livery it will use during the 2026 Formula 1 season: here are the photos of the new car.
After tackling the pre-season tests with a camouflage-style livery, McLaren has now officially unveiled the definitive colour scheme that we will see on the MCL40 for the 2026 season. The Barcelona tests met expectations, despite a few inevitable teething issues, which are understandable at the start of a brand-new regulatory era.
The MCL40 made its official debut during pre-season testing, providing the first real opportunity to observe it on track. According to what has emerged so far, what was seen in Barcelona represents a semi-definitive version of the car, which therefore should not undergo major updates in the short term.
Many extreme innovations on the McLaren MCL40
The new McLaren has inevitably attracted a lot of attention, as it is the car of the reigning world champions, a team now tasked with confirming the excellent work carried out during the 2025 season.
The MCL40 adopts a push-rod suspension layout on both axles, with an even more extreme approach at the front compared to last season. The design of the front wing stands out immediately, featuring a high, narrow and very protruding nose relative to the main plane. The solution chosen for the active aerodynamics actuators is also new, with a hydraulic system integrated directly into the nose: a choice that cleans up the area underneath the nose, allowing for more efficient airflow management.
The solution in the area formerly occupied by the bargeboards also appears different compared to rival teams, where very diverse interpretations can be observed. Almost all teams have opted for configurations featuring multiple horizontal and vertical profiles, while McLaren has chosen an apparently simpler solution, based around a large vertical panel.
On the engine cover, McLaren has revisited concepts already seen up until 2025, with sidepods in a downwash configuration and a distinctive serrated fin, similar to the one used by Ferrari on the SF-26.
The Mercedes power unit represents a guarantee heading into 2026 and should allow the MCL40 to fight consistently at the front of the field. The car still requires some refinements, including a reduction in overall weight, which currently appears to be above the minimum limit. However, the new generation of cars is expected to offer an enormous development curve, with rapid evolution from race to race.
To see the MCL40 in its official race trim on track, fans will only have to wait two more days, when the car will take to the Bahrain circuit for the second official test session, exactly one month before the opening race of the new season.
As the reigning champions prepare to defend their crown, the technical boldness of the MCL40 serves as a clear statement of intent. The blend of refined 2025 concepts and aggressive new aero solutions suggests that McLaren is not merely looking to adapt to the 2026 regulations, but to dominate them. With the Bahrain tests just around the corner, the true potential of this orange and black machine will soon be revealed under the desert floodlights.
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