McLaren has officially unveiled the MCL39 Formula 1 car during a season launch event at Silverstone, making it the first team to showcase a design for the 2025 season, albeit with temporary livery limitations.

All ten Formula 1 teams are set to present their full 2025 liveries at the F1 75 Live event at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday, meaning McLaren is currently restricted to displaying the MCL39 in a unique camouflage color scheme.

This distinctive pattern features the team’s signature papaya orange, cleverly interwoven with a geometric print and bold black accents.

Williams will unveil its FW47 at the same venue on Friday, also adhering to temporary livery guidelines during its reveal.

The reigning 2024 F1 constructors’ champions, McLaren, will conduct a filming session at Silverstone on Thursday, featuring drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Images shared by the Woking-based team indicate that the MCL39 retains key aspects from previous designs and follows a pull-rod front suspension configuration.

McLaren MCL39

Photo by: McLaren

Notable differences from the previous model, the MCL38, include alterations to the bodywork surrounding the engine cover, notably a more oval-shaped air intake.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown remarked that Thursday’s event marks “a significant milestone in our pursuit of the 2025 championship title.”

He emphasized, “It’s thrilling to bring our championship contender, the MCL39, to the track for its inaugural outing and to unveil the dedication of our team.”

“We must remain pragmatic, knowing that every team will likely advance this winter. Last year’s season demonstrated how closely matched the grid has become, which is fantastic for the sport.”

“We are confident that we’ve progressed since last season’s championship-winning MCL38; however, we won’t have a clear picture of our standings until qualifying in Australia, the first race of 2025.”

McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella stated, “While we concluded last year as champions, the competitiveness of the grid is evident and will influence this year’s championship.”

McLaren MCL39

Photo by: McLaren

“Therefore, we must maintain focus to compete effectively within this tight competition. An exhilarating yet challenging year lies ahead,” he concluded.

“The team has dedicated immense effort in preparation for the upcoming season, and we have learned significantly from our experiences last year that will inform our goals moving forward.”

Norris described the camo livery as “a fun design, providing a refreshing preview before our full livery is unveiled at the official F1 75 launch.” Piastri added, “It’s thrilling to get behind the wheel of the MCL39 for the first time as we get ready to test it in Bahrain.”

McLaren will host a filming event at Silverstone on Thursday, with drivers Norris and Piastri taking turns behind the wheel. Norris will be the first to drive the MCL39.

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL39

Photo by: McLaren

Stella, Norris, and Piastri will also address the media during Thursday’s promotional activities.

While McLaren celebrated its first constructors’ championship in 26 years last season, the quest for its first drivers’ title since 2008 continues, as Norris narrowly missed out to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in 2024.

As anticipation builds for a fiercely competitive 2025 season, McLaren stands a chance to achieve its first championship double since Mika Hakkinen led the team to both titles in 1998.