McLaren goes for striking matte livery on MCL35!

©McLaren

McLaren launched its 2020 contender on Thursday in Woking, the MCL35 whose most striking feature is the car's papaya and blue matte livery.

McLaren has followed Red Bull and Ferrari by also relying on a matte finish, something initiated by the former two seasons ago for technical reasons as the matte clear coat apparently a small weight benefit.

The MCL35 also appears to feature a narrower nose (void of openings) compared to its predecessor that won the team its honorary title of 'best of the rest' in 2019, and front wing mounts that act as turning vanes.

Launch Gallery: The McLaren MCL35

One will also note that the McLaren's roll hoop inlet now includes four separate overtures, while sidepods appear reshaped and slimmer.

The MCL35 is predictably a slight evolution rather than a revolution, but it's an overall tidy looking machine that looks fit to build on the team's step forward achieved in 2019.

"This is an important moment for the entire team," said McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl. "Today is another step on our journey.

"It is important not to be complacent, this will be a tough season. Nothing comes easy in Formula 1 and the competition at the head of the midfield will be intense.

"We have six days of testing to prepare for the start of the new season and Carlos, Lando and the whole team here at the MTC and at track are ready."

After reviving a glimpse of its former luster last year, McLaren aims to consolidate its position at the top of the mid-field.

"I’m immensely proud of the entire team today," said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

"Last season we delivered what we set out to do – secure a hard-fought fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.

"Our positive on-track momentum and the renewed energy in the team has seen us grow our valued partner family and global fan base and we look forward to a hugely competitive season.

"While we are enjoying going racing again, we remain measured and focused, and all of us at McLaren keep pushing fearlessly forward."

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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.