McLaren becomes the most recent Formula One team to begin the penultimate stage of their preparation for the 2023 F1 season by unveiling their new MCL60 and livery during a launch presentation at their Technology Centre HQ.
In advance of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2023, the Woking-based team today presented the team’s new driver lineup in front of supporters and members of the international media at the OKX Thought Leadership Centre at McLaren’s headquarters.
Following Andrea Stella’s promotion to F1 Team Principal and the commencement of a new chapter for the team, Oscar Piastri, a rookie driver, and Lando Norris, a British driver, will take the wheel of the MCL60 to kick off the 60th Anniversary celebrations. Oscar is the 2021 FIA Formula 2 champion.
The papaya orange and blue livery of the MCL60, which the team first used in the 1960s, has subsequently been a favorite among the squad since their comeback in 2018.
The Mercedes-AMG F1 M14 E Performance will power the MCL60, which was created under the direction of Technical Director James Key and produced by the team in Woking under the direction of Operations Director Piers Thynne. This integration was made possible with assistance from Mercedes HPP in Brixworth, UK.
“It’s an honour to lead McLaren Racing into the team’s 60th anniversary season,” Team Principal Andrea Stella said. “We have a committed and talented group of people at McLaren, and we are all looking forward to taking the MCL60 racing, after the hard work and the efforts over the last months, in all areas of the team.”
“During our time away from racing, we have enjoyed welcoming Oscar to the McLaren Technology Centre and we have worked together to build strong relationships and to be fully prepared for the start of his career in Formula 1… He has quickly integrated in the team and gained much respect, thanks to his humility, bright intellect, and dedication.”
“It’s also been great to resume the work with Lando, who is now showing the qualities of a leader as he supports the journey of the team,” Stella added. “Lando and Oscar form such a strong and talented driver line-up and we are very much looking forward to the 2023 season with them at the wheel of the MCL60.”
“Together with our colleagues at Mercedes HPP, we can take great pride in our strong collaboration in the realisation of the MCL60 and in the joined efforts to the pursuit of moving back up the grid.”
“We are aware we have work to do as we enter the 2023 season, but everyone in the team is totally focused and committed to making our 60th anniversary year a special one.”
Speaking at the MCL60 unveiling, McLaren CEO Zak Brown said: “We are delighted to launch our 2023 Formula 1 team with Lando and Oscar at the wheel as we celebrate 60 years of McLaren Racing.”
“This year’s driver line-up is extremely exciting as Lando, an intelligent and confident driver with excellent pace, is joined by one of the biggest up-and-coming talents in motorsport with Oscar.
“2022 was a challenging season in our continued effort to push towards the front of the grid… We learnt a lot which has been taken into the off-season as the entire team works hard to prepare for another year.”
“Under the guidance of Andrea Stella, who moved into the position of Team Principal in December 2022, we have an excellent team to spearhead the 2023 season and can look forward to seeing our young driver duo continue to grow their partnership throughout the upcoming campaign.”
