McLaren have offered a closer look at their 2024 challenger, the MCL38, with Lando Norris describing the new machinery as ‘my kinda valentine’ after the car was launched on 14 February.
The launch of the MCL38 will be completed with a shakedown at the Silverstone circuit, following in the footsteps of Red Bull, who tested their new car – the RB20 – at the same track the day prior.
Norris was particularly excited for his shakedown session, taking to the X social media platform to describe the car as ‘”my kinda valentine”, before posting “taking my valentine out for a drive, brb”.
Black and orange is the theme of McLaren’s new livery with a chunky strip of black cutting through the now-iconic papaya livery that we have come to associate with the Woking-based team.
The 2024 campaign promises to be an exciting one for the McLaren organisation, who have been buoyed by the news that Norris has committed to a new long-term deal with the team, despite considerable interest from rivals Red Bull.
With both Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri tied down to long-term contracts and McLaren carrying over plenty of momentum from a sensational end to the 2023 campaign, the eight-time champions are well-placed to fight for consistent race wins with the MCL38.
Offering his thoughts on the team’s latest machinery, Norris said: “I’m looking forward to shaking the car down in Bahrain. I have full confidence in the team that we’ll continue pushing forward off the back of the turnaround last season.
“However, the true test of our progress is coming up when we put the car through its paces in testing, ahead of then qualifying and racing for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“Over the past few weeks, I’ve been back at the MTC putting a lot of work in on the simulator with my engineering team to ensure that we’re fully prepared ahead of next week.”
Piastri was also filled with excitement at the thought of driving the MCL38, adding: “It’s great to be able to drive the MCL38 on track for the first time today. It’s an important milestone in our development for the year and I’m excited to see it on track in its new livery.
“We won’t know where we stand in terms of competitiveness until we go racing in Bahrain, but we’ve been preparing as best as we possibly can by spending time in the simulator, working closely with everyone who’s designed, built and will run the car to ensure we’re ready to start strongly.
“I’m looking forward to the next few weeks leading into a busy year. A massive thank you to the team for everything they’ve done so far to prepare us for 2024. I’m really excited to properly kick off my second season in F1.”
