McLaren Reveals MCL40 Livery: A Bold Look for the 2026 Season

McLaren has officially unveiled the livery of its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the MCL40, setting the stage for another ambitious season. The reveal came just days before the first official pre-season tests in Bahrain, giving fans a first full look at the team’s new visual identity.

During last month’s shakedown test in Barcelona, drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri ran the MCL40 in a temporary grey-and-black camouflage livery. That design was used purely for initial testing and evaluation. Now, ahead of the official pre-season sessions, McLaren has introduced the final color scheme for the 2026 campaign.

The team continues to embrace its iconic papaya orange as the primary color, maintaining a tradition that has defined McLaren’s modern identity. Unveiled at the Bahrain International Circuit, the MCL40 bears strong visual similarities to the team’s recent championship-winning cars, signaling continuity and confidence.

On the commercial front, McLaren also confirmed an expanded partnership with Mastercard. The financial services giant has elevated its role to title sponsor, gaining increased visibility on the car. This marks McLaren’s first major title sponsorship deal since the Vodafone era nearly a decade ago, highlighting the team’s growing commercial strength.

Heading into the new season, McLaren carries significant momentum. Lando Norris secured his first Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship last year in Abu Dhabi, narrowly beating Max Verstappen by just two points in a dramatic finale. The victory cemented McLaren’s return to the top tier of the sport.

The team also claimed the Constructors’ Championship for a second consecutive year, sealing the title during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. With both drivers’ and teams’ titles in hand, the MCL40 represents not only a new car but also a symbol of McLaren’s determination to defend its crown.

With a striking livery, strong sponsorship backing, and championship-winning form, McLaren enters the 2026 season as one of the leading contenders on the grid once again.