McLaren has revealed their latest creation, the MCL34, during a launch event at their Woking headquarters.
The historic team is looking to make significant progress in 2019 after last year continued their difficult period of results, and the new car certainly appears a step forward based on the first impression.
Greater focus has been put on increasing certainty that a development path will deliver the right results after a failure to find performance gains saw McLaren drop towards the back of the grid at the tail end of 2018.
Another big change comes with a new driver line-up as Carlos Sainz replaces double world champion Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris gets his opportunity having made his through the young driver program.
For 2019, the papaya orange livery remains prevalent albeit with a little more blue and notable changes include an interesting bargeboard arrangement, engine cover and the new wings being introduced for this year.
The MCL34 will also remain Renault-powered for the second straight year.
“I’m really looking forward to the tests and excited to finally go racing in McLaren colours,” Sainz commented.
“I know everyone at the factory has been working very hard over the winter to prepare ourselves for this year, and I think the team has done a fantastic job with the livery of the MCL34.
“The factory has become my second home since I moved back to the UK and everyone in the team is moving in the same direction.
“We know the big task ahead of us and we first need to evaluate where we are after the tests. From there onwards, I can’t wait to start racing and keep pushing forward together.”
As for teammate Norris, he exclaimed: “Next stop, Barcelona! Seriously, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel in testing.
“I’ve been working hard over the winter preparing for my step up to F1. I’ve spent a lot of time with the team in the factory too, learning as much as I can to get ready for the 2019 season.
“It’s been my dream to get to Formula 1 since I was a kid. I gained useful experience behind the wheel during practice sessions in 2018, and now I’m really looking forward to making my race debut with McLaren.
“The MCL34 looks great and now I just want to drive it.”