McLaren’s 2026 Formula 1 car, the MCL40, made its first appearance on the track during the shakedown test in Barcelona. The car took to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya just before 11 a.m. local time (10 a.m. UK) on the third day of the testing schedule.
F1 teams have the option to run on any three days within the five-day, spectator-free shakedown event, and McLaren had announced they would miss the initial day. The current world champions plan to use their available days on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to complete their testing program.
For this test, the MCL40 featured a unique livery and was initially piloted by Lando Norris. Notably, this marks Norris’s first time driving with the number 1 on his car’s nose, reflecting his status as the reigning world champion. Despite the car’s track debut, neither McLaren nor Formula 1 have released official photos of the vehicle in action yet.
Fan Take: Seeing McLaren hit the track with their 2026 contender is a thrilling moment for F1 fans eager to witness how the defending champions approach the new season. This debut hints at the intense competition ahead and sets the stage for exciting battles on the grid, keeping the sport’s dynamic spirit alive.
