McLaren’s MCL39 revealed a month out from F1 season opener

McLaren has fired the opening salvo in the 2025 F1 season, becoming the first team to roll out its new challenger, the MCL39, during a promotional filming day at Silverstone.

After winning the Constructors’ Championship, the Woking-based team is now aiming for both the team and driver titles this season.

The reigning champions are joint favourites alongside Ferrari to claim the Constructors’ Championship in 2025, with top online bookmakers placing the pair at $2.20 apiece.

Under strict regulations preventing teams from unveiling their official 2025 liveries until F1’s 75th-anniversary launch event on February 18, McLaren debuted the MCL39 in a striking geometric camo livery in shades of papaya and black.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took turns behind the wheel, completing the allotted 200 kilometres of track time.

For both drivers, this first run was an exciting step towards what they hope will be a title-winning season.

“It’s always an exciting moment to step into the new car for the first time,” said Norris, who finished runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship last season.

The MCL39 continues McLaren’s evolution rather than a complete reinvention, carrying over key design elements from its predecessor while refining aerodynamics and bodywork.

One noticeable change is the more streamlined air intake, hinting at the team’s push for better cooling efficiency and overall performance.

“The MCL39 is the culmination of tireless effort from everyone at McLaren,” CEO Zak Brown said.

“We’ve made progress over the winter, but so has everyone else.

The grid is tighter than ever, and we won’t know exactly where we stand until Australia.”

After breaking a 26-year drought to secure the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren now turns its attention to ending a 17-year wait for a driving title.

Norris is a $3 favourite at Marantelli Bet to go one better this year and win the 2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship, just ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ($3.50).

Norris and Piastri both secured multiple wins last season, proving the team has the firepower to challenge Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

For Norris, the opportunity to fight for his first championship is one he has been waiting for, and he knows the challenge will be greater than ever.

With the opening race in Australia just over a month away, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season.

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