McLaren unveils 2026 F1 livery for MCL40 as title defense begins

McLaren has revealed the definitive racing livery for its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the MCL40, in Bahrain. The design continues the team's iconic papaya color scheme, carrying forward the championship-winning identity from 2025 with only minor aerodynamic tweaks to comply with new technical regulations. As the reigning constructors' and drivers' champions, the Woking-based squad now faces the dual challenge of defending its titles while adapting to a sweeping new era of F1 rules against five major manufacturer rivals.

Why it matters:

The livery launch marks the final visual step before McLaren begins its title defense in a radically reshaped competitive landscape. For the first time in years, McLaren enters a season as the hunted rather than the hunter, and the 2026 regulatory reset offers rivals a chance to close the gap. How the team manages the transition from a successful car concept to a new set of rules will be critical to maintaining its position at the front of the grid.

The details:

• The MCL40's livery was unveiled in Bahrain ahead of the second pre-season test, following an initial shakedown in Barcelona with a temporary testing scheme.
• Team Principal Andrea Stella emphasized the fresh challenge, stating the entire grid is "restarting from zero" and past achievements "count for nothing" under the new regulations.
• The livery design process balanced creative direction with aerodynamic considerations, a necessity under the tighter packaging rules for 2026.
• McLaren will run the car in a promotional filming day at the Sakhir circuit on February 10 before official testing begins on February 11.
• CEO Zak Brown thanked shareholders, partners, and fans, highlighting the collective effort required to prepare for the new era.

What's next:

All focus now shifts to performance. The real test begins in Bahrain, where the MCL40 will hit the track for meaningful mileage, providing the first true indication of the car's pace and reliability. The 2026 F1 season officially commences with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 5-8, where McLaren will begin its defense against a motivated field of manufacturer teams all aiming to dethrone the champions.