McLaren In-Depth: MCL39 more 'good stuff' for Norris and Piastri?

The unveiling follows the McLaren MCL39's track debut at Silverstone on 13 February, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took to the wheel. The 2025 design retains McLaren’s signature papaya colour, complemented by anthracite and a hint of teal in tribute to the team’s tradition of carrying over livery elements after a Championship-winning season.

Inspired by the geometric camouflage livery seen earlier in February, the MCL39 features a diagonal cut-through incorporating anthracite within the papaya scheme. Similar elements will be reflected in the driver race suits.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said: “We’re delighted to have unveiled our awesome 2025 livery for the MCL39, which our exciting driver line-up of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will take to the track. This marks a special moment in the year as we begin the defence of the FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship title.

“In line with McLaren’s longstanding tradition, our 2025 design is a strong evolution of the title-winning livery. We’re now looking forward to getting the season underway and are extremely grateful for the continued support of our valuable partners and fantastic fans. Let’s go racing!” declared Brown.

Andrea Stella, Team Principal of McLaren F1, highlighted the significance of the unveiling: “The unveiling of the new MCL39 livery is another key milestone in our journey to go racing this season and follows on from the incredible hard work and commitment of the team towards our 2025 challenger.

“While we expect to see increased competitiveness up and down the grid as we enter the final year of the current regulations, we have worked hard to hit the ground running and operate at a high standard in everything we do. The aim is to keep competing for podiums and race wins in the 2025 FIA Formula 1 Championships.

“I am thankful for the incredible work done by the team and, in particular, for the support our commercial partners and passionate fans provided last season during our Championship campaign, and I look forward to another year of creating special moments together.

"The collaboration that Mercedes HPP provides the team is also incredibly valuable, and with continued hard work as a collective, we can head to track fully ready for the season ahead.”

Norris, who enters his sixth season with McLaren, shared his thoughts on the new look: “It’s great to see the new 2025 livery, which is an evolution of last year’s Championship-winning colours, and I’m sure the fans will love the tradition incorporated in the design. I look forward to getting on track with it in Bahrain for testing.

“Having spent my whole Formula 1 career with McLaren, it felt great to be part of winning the Championship with the team, and everyone’s hunger for success remains strong. I’m now hoping to take the momentum gained across the last two seasons to compete for both Championships this year.”

Piastri, entering his third season in Formula 1, is looking forward to racing the MCL39 at his home Grand Prix: “Last year was a really positive second season for me and the team, so it’s great to see the new livery heavily influenced by our 2024 Championship-winning design. I’m looking forward to the year ahead, and it’s going to be a special moment in Melbourne as I race the MCL39 for the first time this season at my home circuit.

“I’ve worked hard in the off-season and approach the new season with a lot of optimism and confidence that it can be another special year for all involved with McLaren.”

McLaren will begin its title defence at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on 2 March, following pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit from 19-21 February.