McLaren unveiled its new MCL32 at its Woking factory on Friday, showcasing an eye-catching new livery in the process.
Like the type designation – which has lost the ‘MP4’ used since 1981 – the look reflects the team’s emphasis on the new management and the post-Ron Dennis era, after using variations on the grey and silver theme since 1997.
Honda had made big steps since last year as the team attempts to catch up, and its efforts were rewarded by a simultaneously launch for the car in Tokyo.
"McLaren has always been the team in Formula 1 for me, and I’m massively motivated to be able to help re-establish the team where I firmly believe it belongs: at the very pinnacle of Formula 1," said Executive Director Zak Brown.
"Assisting us reach that goal will be a fantastic group of partners that have supported us throughout the years, ranging from long-term collaborations with SAP and Johnnie Walker, through to our newest partnerships with Castrol and Stratasys, both of which have been announced this year. I want to say on behalf of the entire McLaren-Honda team: a massive thank you to all our partners for all your amazing enthusiasm and support."
"I think there’s a lot to admire about what we’ve achieved over the past 12 months," said driver Fernando Alonso. "Sure, the results haven’t really showcased it, but we’ve really made progress, and I think the whole team has gelled together through those difficult times. Now, at a moment of significant regulatory change, we need to capitalize on that period of uncertainty to push forwards – and I’m confident that we’ve got the expertise to do just that.
"What I’ve seen of the MCL32 appears to be really promising – the new regulations seem to be well thought-out, and the cars look fast and aggressive. The look of the car makes me really want to get in the cockpit – I’ve lost none of that all-important hunger every Formula 1 driver needs. Training over the winter has gone well – I worked really hard – and I can’t wait to get going in the car as I say."
"It’s really nice to see a McLaren looking like a proper McLaren," added Alonso's new teammate Stoffel Vandoorne. "The livery is a great mix of the past and the future: the orange of the 1960s and ’70s, but pushed forwards. I really like it. As for the car itself, it looks great. There are so many beautiful little details – the gills on the nose hangers, the bargeboards, the front wing – it all looks incredibly well finished and thoroughly thought-out.
"This is the moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life. My preparation has been long, intense and meticulous. I’ve spent the winter training ferociously hard, I’m fitter now than I’ve ever been, and I’m raring to get going. This is my opportunity. And I’m ready."
Photo: McLaren Honda
