McLaren Racing has officially launched its new MCL39 Formula 1 car, marking the start of its campaign for the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The car was unveiled at Silverstone Circuit, reflecting the team’s confidence and ambition following their successful run as the reigning Constructors’ Champions.
On what can be described as a bold move for the 2025 season, McLaren broke from tradition by hosting an in-person launch event rather than the usual online reveals. The first public outing for the MCL39 included its eye-catching geometric camo design, clashing shades of papaya and black, which will serve as a temporary livery until the official launch event at the F1®75 Live on February 18.
Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed excitement about the new car, emphasizing the innovative approaches taken during its development. “We have raised the bar in many areas,” said Stella, highlighting the fundamental layout changes intended to optimize aerodynamics and improve performance.
Stella’s confidence is shared by the drivers. Lando Norris, who shared driving duties with his teammate Oscar Piastri during the promotional filming day, stated, “It’s exciting to hop in the MCL39 for the first time and see what it can do on track.” He added, “This year will be more competitive than ever, so we’ve got a lot to do to be able to retain our Constructors' title and go for the Drivers’ as well.”
Piastri echoed Norris’s enthusiasm, noting the potential for growth this season. “The margins at the top are likely to be incredibly tight, but I’m excited about the room for growth after two seasons in the sport,” said Piastri.
McLaren’s launch marks the team’s continuing evolution and aggressive development strategy moving away from the MCL38, which secured the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 1998. According to Stella, the MCL39 has undergone significant changes to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and interaction with the tires.
“Pretty much every fundamental component of the layout has been subject to some innovation,” Stella explained. He clarified the team’s approach has not only focused on incremental improvements but has also made substantial alterations to key areas, such as the car's suspension and cooling layout.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, reinforced the team’s vision. “It’s great to get our championship challenger, the MCL39, on track for the first time and to launch the culmination of the team’s hard work. We must be realistic: every team will have made progress over the winter. We believe we have made steps forward since the championship-winning MCL38,” he said.
This proactive mindset is not only expected to improve performance on the track but also reflects McLaren’s strategy to maintain momentum within the highly competitive grid, which is brimming with talent such as Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
Stella commented on the significance of the upcoming season, stating it would be “exciting but incredibly challenging.” He emphasized the need for focus to stay competitive at the front of the pack. The team's learning from last season's missed opportunities will be pivotal as it seeks to defend its titles.
Filming day events like the one held at Silverstone allow teams to take their new machines onto the track for promotional content, performing tests to expose any early issues before pre-season testing begins. McLaren was underlining its readiness for the challenges to come, with both Norris and Piastri set to participate in upcoming official tests at Bahrain
Stella’s remarks indicate McLaren is acutely aware of the tight competition but remains resolute. He stated, “Last season had highlights and painful lessons; our culture now embraces learning from missed opportunities. We aim to optimize both our strengths and weaknesses moving forward.”
With the first competitive outings fast approaching, McLaren's preparation and strategies will be closely mirrored against its rivals. The excitement surrounding the MCL39’s launch and its subsequent performance remain high as fans eagerly anticipate the forthcoming season.
McLaren's next major reveal will be its official 2025 championship livery at the F1®75 event, joining nine other teams set to showcase their new designs and lineups. The anticipation for the season's opening race in Australia amplifies the stakes for McLaren as it aims to capitalize on its previous year’s successes and newfound innovations.