McLaren to run MCL40 on final three days of Formula 1 2026 Barcelona shakedown

The reigning F1 Champions announced ahead of the test in Barcelona that they will not be taking part from Day 1 as they look to maximize the development time of their 2026 F1 challenger, which will be called the MCL40.

On Day two of the Barcelona shakedown, only Red Bull Racing and Ferrari ran their cars as all the other teams, including McLaren opted to sit out due to bad weather which is not ideal for data collection and testing.

McLaren issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon saying: "With track testing for the 2026 season underway and the permitted running time limited to three days over a five-day period, the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team have approached this week’s Barcelona Shakedown utilising the full flexibility of the programme.

"We plan to run on track for the final three days of testing, while the opening days have provided an important opportunity for the full car to be assembled and checked," the statement added.

McLaren revealed a special livery that they will run on their MCL40 during the testing.

The actual car livery will be revealed in and event that will be held on February 9 before McLaren head to Bahrain for the first of two official pre-season tests on February 11 which runs until February 13.

Another pre-season test will also be held in Bahrain between February 18 and 20.

The first race of the season, the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, will take place in Melbourne on March 8.

McLaren's MCL4 will be driven by reigning F1 Champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The first will be hoping to defend his title while the second will be gunning for a maiden F1 crown as the team aims to defend their Constructors' Title.