JAKARTA - McLaren became the first team to introduce their new car for the 2021 Formula 1 season after removing the curtain on Monday for the MCL35M that Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris will be driving this year.
At first glance the MCL35M looks similar to its predecessor, the MCL35, which is clad in McLaren's distinctive colors; orange papaya blended with blue.
The team used a modified 2020 chassis to design their car this year before the introduction of an entirely new car for 2022.
However, a big change has been made in the MCL35M engine as McLaren switches to using a Mercedes power unit for the first time since 2014, the only team that has changed engine suppliers this year.
Ricciardo, who was brought in from Renault to join McLaren on a multi-year contract, was present at the McLaren Technology Center headquarters in Woking, England, with Norris to launch their new car.
"It's great to finally join the team after so long since the confirmation last May. I am very happy to be a McLaren racer and very excited to get started," said Ricciardo as quoted by Antara on the team's official website, Tuesday, February 16.
"McLaren has had an incredible journey in recent years, and I'm looking forward to helping this team maintain this positive momentum," said the Australian rider.
2020 saw McLaren climb to the top three constructors' rankings amid intense mid-team competition and logistical challenges in a season affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a time when 2021 regulations are quite stable, the rivalry between teams is expected to remain as tight as the previous year.
Meanwhile Norris will undergo his third season with McLaren, after witnessing his best season last year in which the British rider grabbed the podium for the first time in F1.
Isn't it beautiful? 🥰🧡Time for a closer look at the # MCL35M. pic.twitter.com/0n1qy7qFWG
- McLaren (@ McLarenF1) February 15, 2021
"I am very happy to be back working with the team ahead of my third season in F1," said the 21-year-old racer.
"Every time I get into the car I feel more confident and experienced, which helps me build my appearance year after year.
"2021 will be a challenging year once again on a track with intense competition, but I will keep my focus on racing again and give my best."
McLaren team head Andreas Seidl believes their lineup of riders this year will be one of the most competitive on the grid.
"With both of them behind the wheel of the MCL35M, we know we have a team that is totally committed to pursuing performance on the track as we head into the 2021 season."
Ricciardo and Norris will drive the MCL35M for a shooting session at Silverstone on Tuesday before actually testing their new car in the pre-season tests which will take place in Bahrain from March 12-14.
Bahrain International Circuit will also host this season's opener on March 28.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
