Page 1 of 1 The new-for-2026 McLaren MCL40 Formula 1 racer has very big shoes to fill. It replaces the double World Championship winning MCL39 but due to the most substantial regulation change in the sport's history, very little of the dominant 2025 car could be carried over. For the first time in many years, the changes focus on both the chassis and powertrain side of the car, which required the engineers in Woking to start with a clean sheet.
As part of the revised regulations, the MCL40 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, while ground effect aerodynamics are once again banned. The Mercedes-AMG F1 sourced power unit is also simplified with the hybrid part consisting of only a single element. As per the new regulations, the power output of the internal combustion engine and electric motor are now about equal. This places additional emphasis on harvesting energy down the long straights. In order to ensure the cars will reach terminal velocity, active wings are now also part of the package.
The McLaren MCL40 first broke cover with a camouflage livery during the official shakedown test at Barcelona late in January. Now fully liveried in McLaren's ever striking 'Papaya Orange,' it was then used during the two official three-tests in Bahrain by defending World Champion Lando Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri. Page 1 of 1
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The new-for-2026 McLaren MCL40 Formula 1 racer has very big shoes to fill. It replaces the double World Championship winning MCL39 but due to the most substantial regulation change in the sport's history, very little of the dominant 2025 car could be carried over. For the first time in many years, the changes focus on both the chassis and powertrain side of the car, which required the engineers in Woking to start with a clean sheet.