New car presentations: McLaren MCL60

McLaren were not afraid to present their car on the 13th, but changed the serial number – the anniversary series replaced the sequential number series, as this year marks the 60th since the team was founded by Bruce McLaren.

The presentation traditionally took place at McLaren’s technology center in Woking and was not completely virtual like most of the rivals – leading guests and journalists from the biggest media were invited to see and talk about it all – some in selfies, some in publications.

In the off-season changes took place in the team, McLaren was left by the head Andreas Seidl, who moved to Audi – everyone thought he was promoted, but in fact Andrea Stella, who grew up in Formula 1 and his dream, went on promotion – in 2023 he will lead behind a legendary team.

The composition of the drivers has also changed – the somewhat tired Daniel Ricciardo was replaced by the incredibly motivated Formula 2 champion compatriot Oscar Piastri, from whom they are expected to achieve no less serious results this year than from Lando Norris, who has already become a star – and it is not at all clear which of them will be stronger. Piastri is actually very good, as is Lando. It will be very interesting to watch them fight!

In honor of McLaren’s anniversary, the team’s 2023 car has been named the MCL60. New Zealander Bruce McLaren founded McLaren Racing in 1963, since then the team has won 20 Formula 1 World Championships, 183 Grands Prix, three Indianapolis 500s and the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the first attempt.

The MCL60 was designed under the direction of CTO James Key and produced in Woking under the direction of COO Piers Thynn. The traditional orange-and-blue papaya coloring has been retained, the car appeared bright and recognizable.

The MCL60 is powered by a Mercedes-AMG F1 M14 E Performance power unit integrated into a McLaren chassis and gearbox with assistance from Mercedes HPP at Brixford.

Zak Brown: “We are delighted to present our new car which will be driven by Lando and Oscar in the year we celebrate McLaren Racing’s 60th anniversary. The team line-up is simply fantastic, with Lando, a thoughtful and confident driver, joined by Oscar, one of the greatest talents in motorsport.

The 2022 season has not been easy, we have remained committed to growing into higher positions. The year has taught us a lot and we used all this experience in the off-season when the whole team worked hard to prepare for the next championship.
Under the leadership of Andrea Stella, who took over as team principal in December, our great team is ready for a successful new season and we can’t wait to see how our young riders will develop their partnership further.

Our team is one of the oldest in Formula 1, celebrating its 60th anniversary, which is a great achievement. We have a rich history dating back to when Bruce McLaren first started McLaren Racing in 1963. That’s why we named our machine MCL60 in commemoration of these six decades. And with this presentation begins a series of various anniversary events, which will be held throughout the year.

We are happy to celebrate this important anniversary with our wonderful and valuable partners. Their support is inseparable from our mission to achieve our ambitious goals. The same goes for our fans.

At every Grand Prix we strive for the best possible results and thank everyone who is always ready to unfurl the orange flags.
The team is looking forward to returning to the track in Bahrain and it will be great to see the MCL60 in action before the start of the 2023 season. Let’s start racing!”

Andrew Stella, team leader: “Leading the team in the year of their sixtieth anniversary is a great honor for me. McLaren has a team of talented and experienced professionals and together we now await the opportunity to launch the MCL60, the result of hard work over the past few months.

During the winter break we met Oscar Piastri, hosted him at the McLaren Technology Center and worked together to forge a solid working relationship at the start of the season. He quickly established himself in the team and earned respect for his humility, clear intellect and dedication. It was great to be back with our leader, Lando Norris. Together with Oscar we have a great pair of strong and talented pilots.”

Lando Norris: “The off-season went well, and now I’m looking forward to getting back out on the track and getting behind the wheel of the MCL60 for the first time. The new car looks great and everyone involved in the build played an important role.

I am waiting for the fifth season in Formula 1 and I hope to keep a positive attitude in the new championship after a year of performance under the new regulations. It has not been easy to adapt to new machines, but I feel I am in a privileged position as I have the opportunity to develop further as a racer.

I enjoy working with the team and participating in McLaren’s 60th anniversary events 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 earn points.”

Oscar Pistri: “I’m happy to have joined McLaren this year and made my debut in Formula 1. The off-season has been great – I’ve been working hard to prepare for the season ahead. The time spent on base and driving the simulator proved to be interesting and productive, and everyone on the team gave me a warm welcome. I’ve settled in well and now I’m fully focused on getting behind the wheel and hitting the track in Bahrain.

The MCL60 makes 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 of us and I look forward to playing with Lando. We work hard all season to earn points.”