McLaren Racing revealed its 2019 F1 car, the MCL34, with a a slightly revised livery in a launch event held at their base in Woking.
With seven launches already in, McLaren became the eighth outfit to reveal its 2019 F1 car and livery from its base at Woking in presence of their new drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris along with reserve Sergio Sette Camara.
The MCL34 was already shown to selected fans on Wednesday evening with the public launch on Thursday. The livery remains like 2018 with the papaya orange in abundance but the car has more blue and also black unlike its predecessor.
“I’m really looking forward to the tests and excited to finally go racing in McLaren colours,” said Sainz. “I know everyone at the factory has been working very hard over the winter to prepare ourselves for this year, and I think the team has done a fantastic job with the livery of the MCL34.
“I’ve been especially focused on my preparations this winter. New training routines, new diet, very specific simulator sessions, and extra time with the engineers to develop and align certain aspects of the car to my preferences.
“The factory has become my second home since I moved back to the UK and everyone in the team is moving in the same direction. We know the big task ahead of us and we first need to evaluate where we are after the tests.
“From there onwards, I can’t wait to start racing and keep pushing forward together.” Rocking the new overalls, rookie teammate Norris added: “Next stop, Barcelona! Seriously, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel in testing.
“I’ve been working hard over the winter preparing for my step up to F1. I’ve spent a lot of time with the team in the factory too, learning as much as I can to get ready for the 2019 season. It’s been my dream to get to Formula 1 since I was a kid.
“I gained useful experience behind the wheel during practice sessions in 2018, and now I’m really looking forward to making my race debut with McLaren. The MCL34 looks great and now I just want to drive it.”
“The MCL34 is the result of an immense amount of hard work and dedication throughout our team,” said Zak Brown. “We’re all committed, motivated and united in our ambition to return McLaren to competitiveness, and the MCL34 is only the start of this process.
“We have a fresh driver pairing, who together represent the new generation of Formula 1 talent, and are an integral part of the team and our collective effort to advance McLaren forward. The McLaren family is not only our people and our drivers, but also our superb partners and wonderful fans.
“We have a strong community of partners which continues to grow, and an incredible fanbase, who have all remained loyal and supportive throughout our highs and lows, and I’d like to thank them as we head into the 2019 season. As ever, we move fearlessly forward.”
The team is looking to bounce back after difficult times with Honda. It hoped for a better run with Renault but it did not deliver in 2018 still. Now in the second year of their partnership, it should be better prepared for a better result.
While it has Sainz and Norris in the car, the team will certainly miss the experience of Fernando Alonso, who remains part of the McLaren family. Reports suggested that the Spaniard could still drive the MCL34 in the Barcelona test but there is no official word.
After a low-key finish in 2018, the Woking-based team will be looking to bounce back in 2019 but will have stiff challenge from all the other midfield teams, who seems to be in a better position with fresh finding at their disposal.
https://twitter.com/Carlossainz55/status/1095971845138980864
https://twitter.com/LandoNorris/status/1096002122431250432
Missed the McLaren launch event? Watch it here!
2019 F1 launches so far:
