In pictures: introducing the McLaren MCL35M

The countdown to the 2021 Formula 1 season has officially started after McLaren became the first team to unveil their new challenger.

Lando Norris and new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo were present on Monday evening as the Woking-based team virtually launched the McLaren MCL35M. The duo are at Silverstone on Tuesday taking the MCL35M for its first test on the track.

Speaking at the launch Ricciardo predicted a bright future for McLaren as he began a new chapter in his career after leaving Renault, Sky Sports reports. “We don’t have a crystal ball. Leaving Red Bull or leaving Renault, it’s obviously what I feel is right,” said the 31-year-old Australian. “Do I know 100% how it’s going to turn out? I don’t, but I certainly feel like McLaren have done the right things particularly the last few years to set themselves up for these rule changes coming in ’22.

“That kind of next era of F1 has the ability to turn the field around a little bit and everything I’ve seen and known up until now really excites me about where McLaren is heading.”

Now in his second season, British driver Norris said Ricciardo’s arrival as Carlos Sainz’s replacement is a “positive” for the team, the BBC reports. “He can win and score podiums, do pretty much everything,” said the 21-year-old. “I can learn more from a different driver. It is good to experience something different.”

Powered by a Mercedes-AMG M12 E Performance unit, the McLaren MCL35M will sport the “much-loved and iconic papaya orange livery”, says Planet F1.