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McLaren and Piastri reveal 2025 car

By Thomas Miles

McLaren and Oscar Piastri have kicked off their Formula 1 constructors title defence by being the first to hit the track in 2025.

McLaren revealed its new MCL39 in a special camouflage livery by cutting laps at a wet Silverstone last night.

It means the reigning constructors champions got their first win of 2025 by being the first team to drive their new car.

Whilst many things were kept hidden, there were some subtle changes that have been detected.

The sidepod inlet, airbox, monocoque and cooling layout has been slightly redesigned.

After starting 2024 outside the top five before a series of upgrades pushed McLaren to a famous breakthrough constructors title, all eyes will be on McLaren in the final season of the current regulations era.

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has labelled the 2025 car as an “aggressive” approach to its evolution as it chases the rare championship double.

“We have raised the bar in many areas,” he said.

“Including its fundamental layout, in order to give our aerodynamic department volumes to work with.

“There has been some work also on the interaction with the tyres.

“I’m pleased to say that it appears we have maintained the rate of development we’ve had in the last two years.

“This car appears to be on a linear trend with the other upgrades since 2023.”

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes the team has improved from last year’s success.

“It’s great to get our championship challenger, the MCL39, on track for the first time and to launch the culmination of the team’s hard work.

“We must be realistic that every team will have made progress over the winter. Last year highlighted just how much the grid has closed up, which is a brilliant thing for the sport.

“We believe we have made further steps forward since the championship-winning MCL38 but we won’t know where we sit in the standings until we get into qualifying in Australia (2025’s first race).”

Williams is also expected to make an on track debut before all 10 teams reveal their cars at an all in season launch in London next Tuesday.

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