McLaren has opted to maintain its iconic papaya orange and black color scheme for the upcoming F1 season, returning to its traditional nomenclature with the unveiling of the MCL38. This car is set to hit the track for the first time on Wednesday during a filming session at Silverstone.
Building upon the significant improvements seen in the MCL60 during the 2023 season, the MCL38 marks the first car entirely overseen from inception by team principal Andrea Stella and his revamped technical team at Woking.
This strategic move propelled McLaren to a commendable fourth-place finish in the 2023 championship. Additionally, the MCL38 is the maiden product of McLaren’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility.
With notable additions to its personnel, including talents like Rob Marshall from Red Bull and David Sanchez from Ferrari, McLaren aims to surpass its achievements from the previous year, where it clinched eight podiums courtesy of drivers Norris and Piastri.
Despite often boasting the second-fastest car behind Red Bull in the latter part of last season, McLaren remains determined to elevate its performance.
Andrea Stella commented on the team’s aspirations for the upcoming season, stating, “As we enter this new year, our aim is to capitalize on the progress made last season. However, we are mindful of the advancements made by other teams in developing their 2024 cars.”
He further emphasized McLaren’s readiness to tackle the challenges ahead, highlighting the comprehensive groundwork undertaken during the offseason.
Stella continued, “Prior to engaging in competitive sessions, we have substantial preparatory work, including rigorous testing of the MCL38 during the Bahrain pre-season test.
While our team has made significant strides during the winter break, there remain areas for refinement, which we are actively addressing through ongoing in-season development.”
British driver Norris gears up for his sixth season with McLaren, buoyed by a recent contract extension securing his tenure with the team until at least 2026. Alongside him, Australian talent Piastri embarks on his sophomore year following an impressive debut season in 2023.
Expressing confidence in the team’s capabilities, Norris remarked, “I trust in the team’s ability to maintain the positive momentum from last season. However, the true measure of our progress awaits as we undertake testing and subsequently compete in the Bahrain Grand Prix.”
Piastri echoed Norris’s sentiments, stating, “Driving the MCL38 for the first time today marks a significant milestone in our development for the year. While our competitiveness remains uncertain until we hit the track in Bahrain, we’ve diligently prepared by leveraging simulator sessions and collaborating closely with the entire team involved in designing, building, and operating the car.”
Both drivers underscored their commitment to delivering strong performances as McLaren sets its sights on a successful campaign in the 2024 F1 season.
