MCLAREN MCL60 - ANNIVERSARY CAR

McLaren unveiled the new car, the MCL60, with which it hopes to have a successful 2023 F1 season. Oscar Piastri will make his debut for the team in place of Daniel Ricciardo, while Lando Norris is already a native and will spend his fifth year with the Woking team.

After the departure of Andreas Seidl to Sauber, the new team principal will be Andrea Stella. The British team broke the trend in terms of nomenclature this year, but for a simple reason: McLaren turns 60 in 2023, which is why they chose the name MCL60.

The presentation started at 18:00 centraleuropean time and took place in the facilities of their technology center in Woking. About 15 minutes later, the team revealed 2023 car, which continues the trend of reducing orange and increasing clean carbon surfaces. Of course, it is of purely practical benefits, i.e. reducing the weight of the car.

We would like McLaren to return to the top, because a legendary team like them deserves it. We don't like seeing them so far down the table. They were always in the forefront, but now they are very lost.

Fans shouldn't expect too much this season either, as this will be another transition year for them. However, we hope they do deny us!

The problem of independent teams is stable finances. McLaren is "renovating" its organizational and technical set-up, and for this year it is planned to complete the modernization of the wind tunnel, after which the team should have better tools to work on the cars.

To repeat, the pre-season tests will be held from February 23 to 25 in Bahrain, and in the first weekend of March, at the same circuit, the first race of the 2023 F1 season will be held.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren: "We are delighted to introduce our new car, which will be driven by Lando and Oscar in the year we celebrate 60 years of McLaren Racing. The driving duo is excellent, Lando Norris is attentive and a confident driver, joined by Oscar Piastri, one of the greatest talents in the world of motorsport."

"The 2022 season was not easy for us, it was a year that taught us a lot, and we used all that experience in the off-season, when the whole team worked hard, preparing for the new championship."

"Under the leadership of Andrea Stella, who took over as team principal in December, our team is poised for a successful new season and we can't wait to see how our young drivers will work together on and off the tracks."

"Our team is one of the oldest in Formula 1, celebrating its 60th anniversary and this is a great achievement. We have a rich history dating back to when Bruce McLaren formed McLaren Racing in 1963. Therefore, in commemoration of these six decades, our new car we named MCL60."

"At every race we strive to achieve the best possible results and we thank everyone who is always willing to fly the orange flags. The team is looking forward to seeing the MCL60 in action!"

Andrea Stella, Team Principal: "To lead the team in the year of its sixtieth birthday is a great honor for me. McLaren has a team of talented and experienced professionals and together we now have the opportunity to present the MCL60, which is the result of hard work over the last months."

"During the winter break, we met Oscar Piastri, hosted him at the McLaren Technology Center and worked together to create a solid working relationship leading up to the start of the season."

"He quickly fit into the team, gaining respect with his humility, intellect and dedication. It was great to retain our leader, Lando Norris. Together with Oscar, we have a great and talented driving duo."

Lando Norris, #4: "The off-season went well and now I'm looking forward to getting back on track and getting behind the wheel of the MCL60 for the first time. The new car looks great and everyone involved in its construction has been great."

"The fifth season in Formula 1 awaits me and I hope to maintain a positive attitude in the new championship after a year of performances under the new regulations. It was not easy to adapt to the new cars, but I feel that I am in a privileged position, because I have the opportunity to further I'm developing as a driver."

"I enjoy working with the team and taking part in the events dedicated to McLaren's 60th anniversary is a great honor for me. I will continue to work hard with Oscar in this important year as we strive to make the most of every opportunity to score points."

Oscar Piastri, #81: "I'm glad that this year I started working at McLaren and have the opportunity to debut in Formula 1. The off-season was great, I worked hard, preparing for the upcoming season."

"The time spent at the base and driving the simulator proved to be interesting and productive, and everyone in the team gave me a warm welcome. I settled in well and now I am fully focused on getting behind the wheel and out on the track in Bahrain."

"The MCL60 leaves a strong impression. The coming year will be unforgettable, not only for my debut, but also for the team celebrating the 60th anniversary of McLaren Racing. There are interesting challenges ahead and I look forward to being able to compete with Lando. We are working working hard to score points throughout the season."