World champions McLaren have unveiled their MCL40 car livery for the 2026 Formula 1 season, maintaining their iconic papaya color scheme for the ninth consecutive year. The team revealed the design on the eve of pre-season testing in Bahrain, choosing to stick with their successful visual identity despite the sport's revolutionary new regulations.

The MCL40 initially appeared in a darker shakedown livery during testing in Barcelona last month, but the race version closely resembles the look of the past two seasons. Chief executive Zak Brown explained the decision, stating, 'We don't want to change what's been successful.' Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will race the car, with Norris defending his Drivers' Championship and Piastri seeking redemption after a disappointing end to his career-best 2025 campaign.

Powered by Mercedes engines, McLaren enters the season as back-to-back constructors' champions but acknowledges the competitive landscape has reset with new chassis and power unit regulations. The team will begin testing on Wednesday in Bahrain, with comprehensive coverage available on Sky Sports F1. While confident in their capabilities, Brown cautioned that 'this sport is unbelievably competitive and it's going to be a pretty fearsome season this year.'