McLaren has opted for patience and strategy. Absent from the first two days of the private Formula 1 shakedown in Barcelona, the reigning world champion team will finally take to the track during the last three days of testing with its new 2026 car, the MCL40.
Spotlight on the McLaren MCL40: curtain rises in Barcelona
Even before the start of the week of testing at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, McLaren had confirmed that she would not participate from the first day, preferring to maximize the development time of her car for the new 2026 regulations. A deliberate choice in a context where track time is strictly limited to three days out of five.
The second day of the shakedown was marked by unfavorable weather conditions, pushing the majority of teams, including McLaren to stay in the garage. Only Red Bull et Classic Ferrari for sale took to the track, the others judging the data collection to be of little relevance in the rain.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, McLaren explained his approach:
“With the start of track testing for the 2026 season and limited track time, the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team has chosen to fully exploit the program's flexibility. We plan to run during the last three days, while the beginning of the week allowed for the complete assembly and checks of the car.
The team McLaren also unveiled a special test livery that will be used on the MCL40 in Barcelona. The final livery will be revealed at a dedicated event on February 9, before the team departs for Bahrain.
Two official pre-season testing sessions are scheduled at the Sakhir circuit: the first from February 11 to 13, and the second from February 18 to 20. The 2026 season will then begin with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.
The MCL40 will be entrusted to the reigning world champion. Lando Norriswho will attempt to defend his crown, and to Oscar PiastriMcLaren, determined to secure its first world title, will also aim to retain its constructors' title in what promises to be an extremely competitive season.
