F1 News: McLaren reveals stealth version of their 2026 MCL40 car

In a bold move to kick off the highly anticipated 2026 Formula 1 season, McLaren has pulled back the curtain on its latest challenger, the MCL40, through a series of striking renders released on January 26, 2026.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

As the sport enters a new era defined by revolutionary regulations—including sustainable biofuel power units, active aerodynamics, and a push for closer racing—McLaren’s unveiling sets the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive year.

McLaren MCL40: First Look at the 2026 F1 Contender in Stealth Testing Livery. Image supplied by McLaren

The Woking-based team opted for a sleek, all-black monochromatic testing livery for this initial reveal, a temporary design that’s as enigmatic as it is eye-catching. This “stealth” aesthetic will grace the MCL40 during the upcoming five-day shakedown test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, where teams are allowed to select any three days for running. McLaren has confirmed it will skip the opening day, potentially holding off until Wednesday for its on-track debut, giving rivals like Red Bull and Audi a head start on Monday.

Unlike many competitors who have already logged initial shakedown or filming day miles, the MCL40 remains untested on asphalt, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its Barcelona appearance. The renders, while showcasing a clean and aggressive silhouette, are believed to conceal key aerodynamic and technical details that will only emerge once the car hits the track.

This strategic withholding is a common pre-season tactic, ensuring rivals don’t gain early insights into innovative features tailored to the 2026 rules, which emphasize reduced drag, enhanced overtaking via movable wings, and a 50% increase in electrical power from hybrid systems.

McLaren’s chief designer, Rob Marshall, provided reassuring insight into the team’s development approach: “What actually runs this week will probably pretty much be what we’ll bring to the first race,” he stated, signaling minimal upgrades between testing and the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix in March.

This contrasts with some teams’ strategies of starting conservatively and evolving rapidly, highlighting McLaren’s confidence in their baseline package. Marshall’s comments underscore a focused winter program, building on the momentum from recent seasons where McLaren has re-emerged as a front-runner under CEO Zak Brown.

The Barcelona shakedown itself is a crucial milestone, offering teams limited mileage to iron out reliability issues and gather initial data without the pressure of official pre-season testing. For McLaren, this event precedes their full-season launch on February 9—rumored to take place in Bahrain—where the true 2026 livery will be unveiled, likely incorporating the team’s iconic papaya orange with sponsor integrations from partners like Mastercard.

This reveal comes amid a wave of activity from other teams: Red Bull, for instance, has also teased its RB22, while Audi enters the fray with fresh ambitions. McLaren’s drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, will be eager to get behind the wheel, building on their strong 2025 performances that positioned the team as title contenders.