The Woking-based outfit introduced the new car colours during a presentation in Bahrain, where final preparations for the upcoming season are already underway. The MCL40 is expected to play a central role in McLaren’s effort to defend both championships after a highly successful previous campaign.

Visually, the car retains McLaren’s familiar papaya orange combined with black accents. The design is evolutionary rather than radical, though increased visibility has been given to title sponsor Mastercard, whose branding now features more prominently on several areas of the car.

Lando Norris returns as the reigning world champion, joined again by Oscar Piastri, who finished third in last season’s standings. The unchanged driver line-up provides continuity as the team aims to maintain consistent front-running performance.

The MCL40 has already completed an initial shakedown, with full pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit scheduled to begin in two days. Those sessions should offer the first meaningful indication of McLaren’s competitiveness ahead of the new Formula 1 season.