McLaren Shocks F1 Fans with All-Black Livery for 2026 Shakedown!
In a stunning twist that has left Formula 1 fans buzzing, McLaren has unveiled an entirely black livery for their car during the shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. But don’t panic, this isn’t the final look! This temporary design is merely a tantalizing teaser ahead of the eagerly anticipated grand reveal of their 2026 race car on February 9.
While other teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari have already showcased their vibrant new liveries, McLaren is playing the suspense game. They’ll be joining the likes of Williams, Cadillac, and Aston Martin in revealing their bold designs next month. But for now, the iconic papaya orange is nowhere to be seen, as McLaren aims to build up excitement for their official launch in Bahrain.
What’s causing the delay, you ask? McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, confirmed that they will miss the first day of testing due to development issues, a minor setback that won’t dampen their spirits. The team was eyeing to hit the track in the MCL40 on day two, but persistent rain and unpredictable weather have forced them to push back their debut to day three of testing on January 28.
So, what exactly is a shakedown? It’s not just a routine check; it’s a critical moment for teams to run their new cars in a real-world setting, testing every innovative feature without any restrictions on lap counts. This private event, however, is exclusive—no media access and only a select crew allowed to capture footage. But fear not! Sky Sports F1 will be your eyes and ears, delivering nightly highlights at 9 PM GMT throughout the testing week, which will also be available on their official YouTube channel.
This black livery may be a temporary cloak, but it certainly raises eyebrows and questions. Will McLaren’s bold strategy pay off when they finally unveil their true colors? As the countdown to their grand reveal ticks down, one thing is for sure: fans and competitors alike are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what the storied team has in store for the 2026 season!
Stay tuned, as the excitement builds and the track beckons!








