McLaren takes covers off MCL35 at technology centre
McLaren Racing today unveiled the team’s 2020 F1 car, the MCL35, live from the McLaren Technology Centre to a global audience. Drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, who both enter their second season with the team, proudly presented the car ahead of it taking to the track for the first time during pre-season testing next week.
McLaren set to work on the MCL35, which is powered by the Renault E-Tech 20, during 2019 as the team pursued the first phase of its performance recovery programme. The season saw the team climb to fourth in the FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship and provided valuable insights for the development of the MCL35, in what will be an intensely competitive 2020 Formula 1 season.
The MCL35 continues to sport the striking McLaren papaya and blue, the original colours chosen by founder Bruce McLaren and representing the team’s 57-year legacy in the sport. The dynamic new livery is the essence of form and function; designed to further increase stand-out on the grid while being fully optimised for racing performance.
McLaren has also continued its positive commercial trend, with eight new partners for 2020, broadening the team’s partner family to 38 partners in total.
The MCL35 will make its official on-track debut during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain on 19 – 21 February and then again from 26 – 28 February. Carlos and Lando will share the driving duties across both tests.
Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing said: “I’m immensely proud of the entire team today. Last season we delivered what we set out to do – secure a hard-fought fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. Our positive on-track momentum and the renewed energy in the team has seen us grow our valued partner family and global fan base and we look forward to a hugely competitive season. While we are enjoying going racing again, we remain measured and focused, and all of us at McLaren keep pushing fearlessly forward.”
Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren F1 said: “This is an important moment for the entire team. Yesterday evening, after many months of hard work from all the men and women at McLaren, our people were the very first to see the MCL35, before we showed it to the world today. Every team member has invested a great deal of time and energy during this pre-season in designing, engineering and producing the MCL35 ready to take to the track for the first-time at pre-season testing. Carlos and Lando showed real grit and determination last season and have continued to work hard in preparation for testing and the season beyond. We look forward to building on what was a very positive first year with them behind the wheel.
“Today is another step on our journey. It is important not to be complacent, this will be a tough season. Nothing comes easy in Formula 1 and the competition at the head of the midfield will be intense. We have six days of testing to prepare for the start of the new season and Carlos, Lando and the whole team here at the MTC and at track are ready. We go again.”
