FIRST LOOK: McLaren present vibrant-looking MCL60 to kick off 2023 anniversary year
McLaren have revealed their new F1 challenger, the MCL60, during a launch presentation at their Technology Centre HQ, with the new livery featuring even more papaya orange at the start of a special anniversary year for the team.
In 2023, McLaren will mark 60 years since legendary New Zealand racer Bruce McLaren founded the team and, as an initial tribute, opted to jump straight from last season’s ‘MCL36’ to ‘MCL60’ with the naming of their latest car.
GALLERY: Take a closer look at McLaren’s new car and livery for the 2023 F1 season
McLaren CEO Zak Brown and new Team Principal Andrea Stella – who steps up from his previous position of Racing Director following the departure of former team boss Andreas Seidl to Sauber – were both on hand for Monday afternoon’s launch, along with Lando Norris and his new team mate Oscar Piastri, who arrives as an F3 and F2 champion.
In addition to papaya orange, blue elements remain on McLaren’s livery – colours first carried by the outfit in the 1960s, before making a popular return in 2018.
When the new season begins, McLaren will be looking to arrest a recent decline in their F1 fortunes, having fallen from third to fifth in the constructors’ standings in the space of two campaigns.
Speaking as the MCL60 was unveiled, Brown said: “We are delighted to launch our 2023 Formula 1 team with Lando and Oscar at the wheel as we celebrate 60 years of McLaren Racing.
READ MORE: Brown says Stella was always McLaren’s ‘number one choice’ as new Team Principal vows ‘hands-on’ approach
“This year’s driver line-up is extremely exciting as Lando, an intelligent and confident driver with excellent pace, is joined by one of the biggest up-and-coming talents in motorsport with Oscar.
“2022 was a challenging season in our continued effort to push towards the front of the grid. We learnt a lot which has been taken into the off-season as the entire team works hard to prepare for another year.
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“Under the guidance of Andrea Stella, who moved into the position of Team Principal in December 2022, we have an excellent team to spearhead the 2023 season and can look forward to seeing our young driver duo continue to grow their partnership throughout the upcoming campaign.”
He added: “We’re now looking forward to heading back to being on track in Bahrain. It’ll be great to see the MCL60 in action ahead of the 2023 season. Let’s go racing!”
READ MORE: McLaren rookie Piastri ramps up 2023 prep as he hits the track in Barcelona
As Brown touched on, Norris and Piastri will hit the track in the MCL60 during pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 23-25, with the opening round of the campaign to be held at the same Sakhir venue a week later.
