McLaren F1 Reveals New Car Livery For Barcelona Shakedown : Pics

McLaren have pulled the covers off a striking one-off livery for the upcoming Barcelona Shakedown, the first major testing session of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The event, scheduled between January 26 and 30 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, will see all teams run their new cars for three days. McLaren's unchanged driver pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will make their season debuts at the test, showcasing the special livery before the team's full race colours are revealed later in Bahrain.  

The Papaya squad entered 2026 as reigning World Champions, having dominated the previous season by securing both the drivers' and constructors' titles. Their supremacy was evident early, with the constructors' championship sealed in Singapore, while Norris clinched the drivers' crown in Abu Dhabi. With such momentum, McLaren's preparations for the new campaign are being closely watched. Interestingly, the team has confirmed that their latest challenger will not hit the track on day one of the Shakedown. Instead, they plan to wait until day two or three, a deliberate move to maximize development time at the factory before committing to on-track mileage.  

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The car itself, designated the MCL40, has been presented in a black and silver livery specifically for the Barcelona test. The design features a noticeably drooped nose and ramped sidepods along the flanks, while the front suspension has reverted to a push-rod layout. These changes reflect McLaren's ongoing pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical balance, key factors in maintaining their competitive edge. The team has also highlighted that the full race livery will be unveiled ahead of the Bahrain test days, ensuring fans get a fresh look before the season officially begins.  

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Adding to the visual identity of the car is McLaren's new title sponsorship with Mastercard. The brand's presence is slightly more pronounced on the testing livery, signaling the start of a partnership that will carry through the season. For McLaren, the Barcelona Shakedown is not just about technical validation but also about setting the tone for 2026-balancing cautious preparation with the confidence of champions.  

With Norris and Piastri ready to return to action, and the MCL40 waiting for its first laps, the Shakedown promises to be a key moment in McLaren's campaign. The combination of a fresh livery, refined design elements, and strategic rollout underscores their intent to build on last year's success while keeping rivals guessing.