McLaren have unveiled their new MCL60 car to compete in 2023 F1 season.
Initially named MCL37 as part of a continuation of a numbering scheme which commenced in 1981, McLaren have since named their new car MCL60 in honour of the fact that it is 60 years since Bruce McLaren first founded the team back in 1963.
McLaren have retained their orange and black livery colours alongside touches of a light blue colour scheme across the MCL60, despite Gulf Oil having departed as sponsor to switch to Williams for this season.
Lando Norris will front the driver pairing as he remains with McLaren for a fifth season despite getting ready to partner a third different teammate, as Oscar Piastri replaces Daniel Ricciardo and the pair engaged in what Norris described as “friendly” karting competition during pre-season.
Norris also added that he is seeking “… to carry positive momentum into the new season after a year of racing under the new era of regulations.”
Piastri meanwhile admitted during the car launch that he is excited to finally return to a race seat after spending last season on the sidelines as Alpine reserve, as he commented: “I am looking forward to getting out there and getting stuck in.”
The Australian’s move to McLaren though was mired in controversy after he was initially announced by Alpine as partnering Ocon for this season, only to deny that he had signed to race for the team and instead joined McLaren once legal issues were finalised with Alpine.
Piastri added that he has enjoyed an “enjoyable and productive,” off-season in terms of preparing for his rookie campaign in F1, whilst also acknowleding that this season will be memorable with him not only making his F1 bow but also part of McLaren’s 60th anniversary celebrations.”
Team Principal, Andrea Stella meanwhile praised Piastri for how “quickly integrated” he has become within the team, largely down “to his humility, bright intellect, and dedication.”
Stella also admitted that the team has work to do if they are to fight for podiums and wins this season, as he concluded: “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.”
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