Sophia Crothall
Usually, for Formula 1 fans, January can seem like a long, quiet month — with much anticipation ahead of unveilings and testing in February.
However, McLaren surprised everyone when they became the first Formula 1 team to unveil their new livery for the 2024 season.
Much speculation was brewing about what McLaren was up to after fans noticed that all their social media posts had been archived. A new profile picture and bio shortly followed before their new mantra — whatever it takes — was shared across their platforms.
Shortly after establishing their new look, they dropped the bombshell on Tuesday, 16th January, that they were releasing their livery.
https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1746940332397219933?s=20
What Colours Does the Livery Feature?
This season, McLaren features more papaya, which has been one of the team’s staple colours since 2018. Additionally, anthracite is another dominant colour, alongside hints of chrome. This design has been used more extensively between 2006 and 2014.
McLaren confirmed that the livery was designed with fan-favourite elements from OKX’s Stealth Mode livery. It also features some of the world’s biggest brands and organisations as McLaren continues their many partnerships. This includes their collaboration with Google Chrome.
https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1747301266865201193?s=20
What Will the Car be Called?
The 2024 car will be named the MCL38 and unveiled at Silverstone on 14th February. It will then head to Bahrain for pre-seasoning testing, which begins on 21st February.
“Team Principal Andrea Stella will also continue guiding the team for his second season.”
The British team will remain with their current driver line-up. This includes Lando Norris, recently signed a multi-year contract extension, and Oscar Piastri. The Australian driver notably won Rookie of the Year for his entrance to Formula 1 in 2023.
Team Principal Andrea Stella will continue guiding the team for his second season.
https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/1747321746212921638?s=20
What Does McLaren Have to Say About it?
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown shared: “We’re delighted to launch our 2024 Formula 1 livery ahead of the new season. The design looks awesome, and I can’t wait to go racing and see it come to life on track next month.”
He continued: “We didn’t start 2023 as we wanted but Andrea and the team did a great job following the organisational restructure coming into action, and the hard work continues as we carry that excellent momentum into the 2024 campaign.”
Team Principal Stella added: “The 2024 livery looks great and I’m looking forward to seeing our exciting driver line-up of Lando and Oscar take the MCL38 on track next month.”
“Fans don’t have long to wait to see the MCL38 in action, as testing returns this month.”
Furthermore, both drivers shared their opinions on the new season. Norris has said: “The new livery looks great with the inclusion of segments from last year’s enhancements, I’m sure the fans will love it as much as me.”
Piastri commented: “The 2024 livery looks really cool and I’m looking forward to racing in the iconic colours of McLaren for a second season.”
Fans don’t have long to wait to see the MCL38 in action, as testing returns this month. The first race in Bahrain is not far away, either.
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Featured image courtesy of Sophia Crothall.