McLaren have given their 2025 challenger – the MCL39 – its first outing ahead of the new F1 season.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took part in a filming day at Silverstone to test the new machine ahead of pre-season testing. The regulations permit up to 200km of mileage on filming days.
The MCL39 sported a one-off cameo livery at Silverstone. McLaren’s 2025 design will be revealed – along with the other nine teams – at the F175 event on February 18 at the O2 Arena in London.
Norris says the outing was a ‘fun’ way to draw attention to the car ahead of 2025. Anticipation over the MCL39 is incredibly high – after all, McLaren are the defending constructors’ champions.
The Woking-based outfit did not want to run last year’s livery on the MCL39 at Silverstone for fear people would spot changes to the car.
However, the cameo design did not stop people from noticing some significant changes to the McLaren ahead of 2025. According to a report from AutoRacer, they have taken inspiration from their rivals.
McLaren have used ‘solutions’ from Red Bull for the rear suspension of the MCL39
McLaren delayed any significant upgrades to the MCL38 last season, fearing it would upset the strong balance they found with the car in the title fight.
Now, there are some notable changes to the MCL39. McLaren have opted for a slimmer sidepod and smaller engine cover, as well as a new rear wing configuration that was seen towards the end of 2024.
Furthermore, AutoRacer have noticed that ‘the rear suspension has been further evolved, with the push-rod in a new ‘broken’ guise’ – similar to that of Aston Martin at the front of the AMR23.
Furthermore, a ‘small opening’ has been introduced near the push-rod to possibly blow ‘cooling air from the sidepods towards the upper part of the diffuser’. This was a ‘solution’ adopted by Red Bull which was used on their cars ‘for years’.
This should not come as a total shock given that McLaren have recruited heavily from Red Bull recently. Adrian Newey’s secrets appear to have fallen in the hands of the Woking-based outfit, which will leave Christian Horner less than pleased heading into 2025.
Damon Hill backs McLaren to be ‘world champions again’ in 2025
Making evolutionary changes to the MCL39 could be risky – especially given the new regulations coming to F1 in 2026.
But Norris and Piastri have reported back confidence in the car after running it at Silverstone. The pair will be looking to guide the team to a drivers’ title after the former missed out to Max Verstappen by 63 points in 2024.
READ MORE: All you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine
Damon Hill thinks McLaren will be ‘world champions again’ after seeing the MCL39 for the first time. The Woking-based outfit will be the team to beat given their strong pace at the end of last year.
Norris’ dominant win in Abu Dhabi proves that – and the Brit will be raring to go in 2025 having learned how to battle Verstappen from their numerous incidents last season.
Martin Brundle has Norris as the favourite for the 2025 title – whether he can go one step further and fend off serious competition is another question.
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