McLaren unveil MCL38 F1 car following livery launch

McLaren has launched its official car for the 2024 Formula 1 season, one month on from its livery reveal.

The Woking-based squad showed off its racing colours in mid-January on an older car and asserted that its new challenger would be unveiled in full on February 14.

Ahead of pre-season testing next week in Bahrain, McLaren has unveiled images of the MCL38 which will be driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

McLaren ended last year's championship fourth in the Constructors' Championship following a mid-season resurgence which lifted it from the foot of the pecking order.

The car will make its on-track debut later today at Silverstone as part of a shakedown run.

Lando Norris signed an extension with McLaren last month, ensuring the Briton will remain at the squad long-term.

“I’m excited to get behind the wheel of the MCL38 and see how it runs,” Norris said. “The livery looks great on the new car, so it’s fun to be able to get out on track today.

“I’m looking forward to shaking the car down in Bahrain. I have full confidence in the team that we’ll continue pushing forward off the back of the turnaround last season.

“However, the true test of our progress is coming up when we put the car through its paces in testing, ahead of then qualifying and racing for the Bahrain Grand Prix.”

Oscar Piastri also penned a new deal with the team prior to the end of his rookie F1 campaign which runs to the end of the 2026 season.

Piastri added: “It’s great to be able to drive the MCL38 on track for the first time today. It’s an important milestone in our development for the year and I’m excited to see it on track in its new livery.

“We won’t know where we stand in terms of competitiveness until we go racing in Bahrain, but we’ve been preparing as best as we possibly can by spending time in the simulator, working closely with everyone who’s designed, built and will run the car to ensure we’re ready to start strongly.”

With both of its drivers locked down, McLaren has also acquired the services of two prominent engineers this year in David Sanchez and Rob Marshall, who have joined from Ferrari and Red Bull respectively.