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McLaren has officially launched its 2025 campaign, with the MCL39 becoming the first car of the new season to hit the track. The car completed its initial laps at Silverstone, sporting a camouflage livery to keep its final design under wraps until the official unveiling on February 18 in London. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri shared driving duties, getting their first feel of the machine that will carry McLaren’s championship hopes.
Early glimpses suggest similarities with last year’s MCL38, particularly in the front suspension, but notable changes can be seen around the air intake, which now features a more ovoid shape. As defending Constructors’ Champions, McLaren enters the season aiming to build on last year’s success and maintain its place at the top of the grid.
CEO Zak Brown emphasized the significance of this milestone: “Today marks an important step in our journey to defend our title. Every team has been working hard over the winter, and we expect an even tougher battle this season. We believe we’ve made key improvements over the MCL38, but we won’t truly know where we stand until qualifying in Australia. One thing is certain—McLaren never stops fighting.”
Team principal Andrea Stella echoed the sentiment, stressing the challenges ahead: “Last season showed how competitive the grid is, and we expect the same intensity this year. Staying focused and continually improving will be crucial. We’ve learned valuable lessons from 2024, and we’re determined to use them to push even further.”
Lando Norris, who narrowly missed out on the Drivers’ title last year, is determined to take the next step: “Driving a new car for the first time is always a special moment. We know this season will be incredibly tough, but we’re ready to fight for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. I’ve trained hard during the off-season, and I feel the team has taken another step forward.”
Oscar Piastri, entering his third F1 season, is equally ambitious: “I’ve put in a lot of work over the break because the battle at the top will be tighter than ever. Winning races early in my career gave me a taste for success, and I want more. 2024 was fantastic, but now it’s time to push even harder.”
With the initial shakedown complete, all eyes turn to the official unveiling. Soon, McLaren will ditch the camouflage and reveal the car that will take on the 2025 season.
