On the third day of the private tests in Barcelona, McLaren finally unveiled its 2026 single-seater, the MCL40. Lando Norris, all smiles, had the honor of christening this beast, proudly displaying the number 1 of world champion. A surreal moment for the Brit, who is still struggling to grasp the magnitude of his achievement as he prepares to defend his title.
A First on the Track
This morning, under the sunny skies of Barcelona, the MCL40 made its first laps. The initial tests were quite encouraging, with no less than 77 laps completed for crucial checks and data collection. For Lando Norris, it was a moment eagerly awaited. “It was great to be back, great to see the number 1 on my car, it’s still surreal,” he stated, visibly moved. A phrase that perfectly sums up the excitement surrounding this new season.
Far from the usual fears of debuts, the MCL40 proved to be docile and responsive. “Today was really a first handling of the car’s package, just to understand how it works,” Norris commented. A productive day focused on exploring the features of this new machine.
Notable Changes
This first test allowed the driver to feel the effects of the new technical regulations. According to him, the single-seater is “a bit slower in cornering,” but offers a clear advantage in a straight line. “We reach 340 or 350 km/h much faster than in previous years,” he specified, while highlighting the increasing complexity of the onboard systems.
With a new engine, a more sophisticated battery, and a revised power unit, the MCL40 requires an adjustment period. “As soon as something is different, it always takes a bit of time to find the best way to manage it,” Norris added. A challenge that all drivers must face with the arrival of these new technologies.
No Bad Surprises
For McLaren, the best news from this Wednesday in Barcelona is the absence of major issues. Rob Marshall, the technical director, breathed a sigh of relief, stating, “Nothing scary happened,” a declaration that must have reassured fans and team members. A few minor issues were noted, but they were quickly resolved throughout the day.
“We really consider this week as a shakedown, so our goal is to make the car reliable,” Marshall explained. It’s a true marathon of testing that is unfolding, with every detail counting for the development of this single-seater. “We are exploring the entire operating range by trying every possible element,” he specified, aware that the cold conditions in Barcelona complicate representative lap times.
A Promising Future
In the meantime, the team is preparing for the following days with optimism. Oscar Piastri will take over the wheel of the MCL40 on Thursday, with a shared driving schedule planned for Friday. This dynamic between the two drivers could bring a fresh breath to McLaren, which aims to refine its model before the start of the season.
The start of the season looks exciting for McLaren. Between the legacy of the number 1 and the technical innovation brought by the MCL40, the British team seems ready to take on the challenge. Fans can expect a season full of twists and thrilling performances.
