P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren reveal F1 testing livery despite Barcelona absence
McLaren has revealed their 2026 pre-season testing livery on social media, despite missing the first day of F1 testing in Barcelona, with the new car set to hit the track on the second or third day.
The private shakedown in Barcelona spans five days this week before teams move to Bahrain in February for two three-day testing events at the Bahrain International Circuit.
This extensive testing is due to the regulations reset, the biggest since 2014, as teams strive to prepare for the upcoming season amid Williams announcing their absence from Barcelona testing.
McLaren is scheduled to debut on track by Wednesday at the latest, showcasing a special livery ahead of the full car design reveal after the Barcelona test on February 9.
With two consecutive constructors’ titles under their belt, McLaren faces increased competition in 2026 as rivals use the regulations overhaul to challenge their dominance on the grid, aiming to dethrone them as the leading team in the sport.
All eyes are on McLaren as they aim to defend their championships, knowing competitors have ramped up efforts to close the gap and potentially disrupt their reign as the front-runners in Formula 1.
