McLaren has launched their car for the 2022 season, revealing a bold and “vibrant” new livery as the team’s bid to fight towards to front of the grid in the sport’s new era.
The MCL36 will be piloted by Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo once again this season, after securing the team’s first win since 2012 last year.
A Live production was held at the team’s Woking base where fans were given a first glimpse of the new car with a new colour scheme that they say will remain and is ready for pre-season testing.
Speaking about the success of the 2021 season, the team said in a statement: “Over the course of the 2021 season, McLaren made significant progress on its journey back to the top of the sport, including securing the team’s first win since 2012, and the only 1-2 finish of the 2021 season at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. In addition, the team further closed the gap to the top teams, securing their greatest number of world championship points since 2012.”
Explaining this year’s liver and engine makeup amid sweeping regulation changes, the statement went on to say: “Designed under the leadership of Technical Director James Key and produced by the team in Woking, led by Operations Director Piers Thynne, the MCL36 features several striking and dramatic changes compared to the MCL35M.
“The return of ground-effect to Formula 1 changes the fundamental philosophy of the car and is part of new regulations aimed at improving racing by reducing the amount of disrupted airflow generated by the cars.
“The MCL36 is powered by the Mercedes-AMG F1 M13 E Performance which was integrated into the McLaren chassis and gearbox with support from Mercedes HPP in Brixworth, UK.”
Speaking at the launch, Lando Norris, #4, said: “It feels like a long time since we were last on track in Abu Dhabi, and I can’t wait to get back in a car and put the MCL36 through its paces. Last year was my best in Formula 1 so far, and I’m really proud of what I achieved as a driver, and what we achieved as a team.
“But I know that the best is yet to come, and my aim is to carry the positive momentum we built up over the last year and take that with me into this exciting new era of Formula 1.
“I’m in a good position heading into this year to build on the successes of 2021. I’ve grown up alongside McLaren and I’m really delighted to have recently confirmed my long-term future with the team.
Together, I’m looking forward to finding out what we can achieve, and I’ll be working hard to maximise any opportunities that come our way.”
Daniel Ricciardo, #3, added: “There’s always a nervous excitement around the start of the new season, but that’s turned up to 11 when you enter a new era of regulations.
“Having been through several regulation changes now, I feel like I’m able to use that energy to help me adapt to new cars, new ways of driving and ultimately new ways of racing.
“These new cars will feel very different to the previous eras I’ve driven, but I’m hopeful that will come with closer racing and more opportunities to get to the front of the pack.
“Heading into my second year with McLaren feels great and I feel like we learned a lot as a team in 2021, which will help us as we take on this new challenge.
“Securing the win in Monza was a real highlight of my career, but that’s all in the past now, and I’ll be giving it everything to secure more moments like that for the team throughout the 2022 season.”
