Under the floodlights of the Bahrain International Circuit, McLaren peeled back the final layer of mystery surrounding its 2026 Formula 1 campaign – and what emerged was instantly familiar, unapologetically bold and drenched in papaya orange.
The covers came off the new-generation MCL40 on Monday, revealing a livery that blends heritage with modern edge as the Woking squad prepares to defend both world titles in a dramatically reshaped regulatory era.
For weeks, the car had only been glimpsed in disguise. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri quietly logged early mileage in Barcelona behind a temporary grey-and-black wrap, a cloak designed to hide the true identity of McLaren’s latest creation.
Now, with official pre-season testing in Bahrain about to begin, the team has unveiled the colors it hopes will carry it through another championship charge.
Papaya Rules
The design is a continuation rather than a reinvention – a deliberate nod to the liveries that delivered consecutive constructors’ crowns and Norris’s breakthrough drivers’ title last season.
Papaya again dominates the bodywork, contrasted with sleek dark accents that sharpen the car’s aggressive silhouette. The visual message is clear: evolution, not revolution.
One major shift, however, sits in plain sight. Mastercard’s branding is now impossible to miss after the financial giant elevated its partnership to title-sponsor status – McLaren’s first such arrangement since the Vodafone era more than a decade ago.
The expanded presence signals both commercial confidence and the team’s strengthened global profile after its recent on-track success.
The venue for the reveal carried symbolism too. Bahrain is effectively McLaren’s second home, tied closely to its principal shareholder, making it a fitting stage for the next chapter of a team determined to prove its dominance was no one-season wonder.
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:
“We’re delighted to present our 2026 challenger’s livery from our second home, Bahrain. The iconic papaya continues on the MCL40 as we keep our tradition of carrying Championship-winning liveries through to the next season.
“Racing performance is also at the forefront of design when exploring creative routes, and we’ve balanced creative direction with aero considerations to create this striking 2026 competitor.
“Thank you to all our committed shareholders and partners, without whom we simply wouldn’t be able to go racing, to our fans for their continued support, and to our team of people who have worked tirelessly to get us to this point in the exciting new era of Formula 1.
"We’re all excited to see it hit the track.”
With the MCL40 now officially in full color, McLaren’s intentions are as vivid as its paintwork — defend, dominate and do it all in unmistakable papaya.
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