The presentation of the new McLaren MCL40 McLaren chose the aseptic environment of one of the 22 garages set up for Formula 1 on the Bahrain circuit to reveal the shapes and colors of the new MCL40 to the world, while indulging in a bit of wonder when, at the end of the long video interview with the team’s protagonists, some pyrotechnic displays were even seen on the Sakhir track. A baptism of… fire for Lando Norris’ first Papaya single-seater with the number 1 printed on the nose, which starting from Wednesday will inevitably be among the most eagerly awaited protagonists of the first real tests of the 2026 F1 World Championship. Lando Norris’s enthusiasm “Winning the championship with McLaren – he adds – the team I’ve been racing with since the beginning of my Formula 1 career was incredible. We’re facing this year as world champions and I’m excited to see what we can achieve in this new era of Formula 1. My biggest thanks go to all those who contributed to the design and construction of this car, while my greetings go to all the fans who follow us week after week. I’m ready for this year and I can’t wait to get back on track and keep pushing.” It will be fundamental to defend that number 1 which stands proud on the nose of Lando Norris’ new papaya.
