McLaren uncovers new papaya and vega blue MCL34!

©McLaren

Selected McLaren fans gathered in Woking felt the love on Valentine's Day when the team uncovered its new MCL34 design.

The Renault-powered 2019-spec car design appeared in its traditional McLaren-papaya livery but with a creative portion of Vega Blue on its rear bodywork.

Regarding cosmetics, perhaps McLaren's most striking novelty for 2019 are the drivers' new blue and papaya race suits!

"The MCL34 is the result of an immense amount of hard work and dedication throughout our team," said McLaren CEO 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 MCL34 will make its on-track debut during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain (18-21 February & 26 February - 1 March).

McLaren stated in its release that Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris will share the driving duties across both tests, which likely dismisses any appearance of Fernando Alonso behind the wheel of the new contender. But then again, when it comes to Nando and McLaren, anything is possible...

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.