World champions McLaren have unveiled the livery they will wear when they defend their F1 world title in the 2026 season.

McLaren unveiled the MCL40 color scheme in Bahrain ahead of pre-season testing starting on Wednesday, with McLaren deliberately sticking to its tried-and-tested paint formula to tackle new challengers in F1’s revolutionary new rules era.

The 2026 car wore a one-off dark livery when it debuted at last month’s Barcelona test, but the race livery is very similar to its look over the past two seasons, with their now-trademark papaya color becoming the team’s main color in its ninth season.

“We don’t want to change the success we’ve had,” said CEO Zach Brown.

British driver Lando Norris defends the drivers’ title he won at the final round of last season, while team-mate Oscar Piastri plans to fight back after a disappointing end to the Australian’s third season in F1.

“As much as I love our test livery, this livery will always get better throughout the TV season,” Norris said.

“So stick with what works.”

McLaren expects new car to be ‘strong contender’

McLaren will once again be powered by Mercedes, which is widely expected to produce the leading 2026 engine. McLaren is the back-to-back constructors’ champion, but team bosses have stressed all winter that the entire team will start fresh given the comprehensive nature of the sport’s new chassis and power unit regulations.

“I wouldn’t bet against our staff, but the sport is incredibly competitive and it’s going to be a really scary season this year,” Brown added.

While McLaren aims to have their new car “immediately operational” from the start of the season in Australia next month, team boss Andrea Stella ultimately expects the outcome of the first year of the sport’s new rule set to be heavily dependent on the success of development races.

He said: “No matter how the first game is ranked, I think the first season will be a game of development, and whoever develops the most will probably be the winner at the end of the season.”

“(Last year) we needed to reflect on the resources we put into our pursuit of the championship and the new car. We think we have achieved the right balance, so we are optimistic that the MCL40 will be a strong contender.”

Sky Sports F1 Bahrain test schedule

Test 1: Wednesday, February 11, Thursday, February 12, Friday, February 13

• 3 p.m.: Last hour of live track and field events
• 8pm: Test ends
• 8.30pm: Ted’s Test Notebook

Test 2: Wednesday, February 18th, Thursday 19th, Friday, February 20th

• 6.50am-11.05am: Morning live broadcast
• 11.55am-4.10pm: Afternoon live broadcast
• 8pm: Test ends

Stream every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8. Watch Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime