MCLAREN PAYS TRIBUTE TO IS HISTORY WITH 2018 CAR

McLaren MCL33 revealed – Photo: Supplied

McLaren has paid tribute to its history with the design of it’s new McLaren MCL33 for this year’s Formula 1 World Championship.

The new look, which is predominantly papaya orange with blue details, pays tribute to the colour scheme run by the team’s founder Bruce McLaren 50 years ago. Fernando Alonso also ran the papaya orange during last years Indy 500.

The British team revealed the throwback livery today ahead of its shakedown/filming day at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya three days ahead of the preseason test at the same venue.

It also marked the teams’ debut with Renault power, after a disastrous recent run with Honda engines. With the majority of the teams’ changes to from its 2017 car made to accommodate the new engine and the addition of the halo.

“The MCL33 represents a fresh chapter for McLaren – one that clearly embraces our evocative history while also serving to guide our future,” said Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Executive Chairman and Executive Committee Principal, McLaren Group.

“We may have faced a tricky last few years, but this team has demonstrated time and time again that it emerges stronger from each and every challenge.

“And, for 2018, it’s not merely the colour of the car that marks the change: there’s a determination and commitment that exists within everyone who works at McLaren, and we’re fighting stronger than ever to return to the front.”

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso remains with the team along withStoffel Vandoorne.

“Looking at our new car, I feel incredibly excited – but also apprehensive,” saidAlonso.

“I know just how important this car is to the team, and I just hope that it delivers in the way we all want it to.

“If we’re able to develop the key strengths of last year’s chassis and marry it to an improved Renault power unit, then I think we’ll be able to take a step forwards.

“The car certainly looks very neat and well thought-out, and I think the new colour looks really great; really eye-catching.”

The McLaren MCL33 will be joined by the rest of the Formula 1 field at Circuit de Catalunya in Spain from the pre-season testing on Monday.

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