McLaren locks in ‘Super Monday’ launch date for 2026 contender

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McLaren have officially completed Formula 1’s 2026 launch calendar, confirming they will unveil their new challenger on Monday, February 9 at the Bahrain International Circuit.

With its announcement, the Woking squad becomes the last team on the grid to lock in its plans for the dawn of F1’s new technical era.

Fashionably late? Perhaps. Perfectly timed? Absolutely.

A High-Stakes Double Header

The choice of date isn’t just about finishing the list; it’s about maximum theatrical impact. By launching on February 9, McLaren has set up a tantalizing "Super Monday" showdown with Aston Martin.

F1 fans are already circling the date, as it marks a fascinating clash of narratives: the defending champions at McLaren versus the dawn of the Adrian Newey era at Aston Martin.

Full calendar of Formula 1 team launches for 2026

The venue is equally strategic. By unveiling the car in Sakhir just moments before the first official pre-season test, McLaren is skipping the pageantry and getting straight down to business.

While the official name is still a mystery – MCL40 is the logical choice, though the team is known for the occasional marketing curveball – the intent is clear: they are arriving in Bahrain ready to defend their crown.

Champions With Momentum

McLaren heads into 2026 riding a serious wave. Back-to-back Constructors’ Championships in 2024 and 2025 have re-established the team as Formula 1’s benchmark, capped by a jaw-dropping 364-point margin over Mercedes last season.

At the sharp end of that success sits Lando Norris, now an F1 world champion and chasing the rare feat of consecutive titles. Alongside him, Oscar Piastri arrives with a point to prove after ending 2025 just 13 points adrift, determined to turn frustration into fire under the new regulations.

Mercedes may be the popular pick for the regulation reset, but recent form suggests that assumption deserves a closer look. McLaren’s recent ability to thrive – even against its own engine supplier – makes them impossible to ignore.

The true 2026 pecking order remains a mystery. Someone may crack the new rules faster than the rest. But recent history has taught the paddock one thing: underestimate McLaren at your peril.

And on February 9, the final piece of the launch puzzle clicks into place – with the champions ready to show their hand.

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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.