Voila! Here is the first Formula 1 car for the anniversary season of 2025. Even before the joint season launch in London, reigning champion McLaren has already shared a first glimpse of their latest achievement from Woking. The MCL39, clad in a striking camouflage color scheme, was unleashed on the Silverstone circuit for a special filming day. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had the honor of putting their new vehicle through its paces.
Without sponsors and in a special camouflage version, the McLaren MCL39 drove on the Silverstone circuit for the first time on Thursday. Before drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri got behind the wheel, they donned neutral, black racing suits for the occasion. Stealth mode activated. As it was a filming day, McLaren was allowed to send the MCL39 onto the track already. The official unveiling of the car, including the final livery, will take place on February 18 during the F1 75 event in London.
“Today is an important milestone in our fight for the title in 2025,” responded CEO Zak Brown. “It’s great to see the MCL39 on the track for the first time. At the same time, we are realistic – every team has made progress over the winter. We have made big strides, but we won’t truly know where we stand until Australia. Rest assured that we are doing everything we can to bring both championships to Woking this year,” he concluded optimistically.
‘More Competitive Than Ever’
“Last year we finished as champions, but it also became clear how competitive the grid is,” added team boss Andrea Stella. “This season will be no different. It’s going to be an exciting, but incredibly challenging year.” Lando Norris, who narrowly missed out on his first driver’s title last year, was thrilled to get into the new car. “It was exciting to drive the MCL39 for the first time,” he responded. “This year will be more competitive than ever, so we have a lot of work to do to defend our constructor’s title and also compete for the driver’s championship.”
Oscar Piastri concluded: “It was good to get used to the MCL39 before we really put it to the test in Bahrain.” The Australian emphasized that he has been working hard this winter in preparation for the new season. “The margins will probably be very small again, but I’m excited. Winning Grand Prix races makes you want more.” Piastri and Norris were only allowed to cover 200 kilometers on Thursday; during filming days, the teams only collect promotional material.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri wore neutral racing suits for their first laps in the MCL39:
