Fresh off their championship-winning season, McLaren’s dynamic duo takes the first laps in the highly anticipated MCL39 at Silverstone.
McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have officially kicked off the team’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign, taking their first laps in the MCL39 during a filming day at Silverstone.
With the team preparing to defend its Constructors’ Championship, the Silverstone shakedown marked a crucial step before pre-season testing in Bahrain.
“It’s exciting to hop in the MCL39 for the first time and see what it can do on track,” Norris said after his first run in the 2025 challenger.
The British Grand Prix venue provided the first glimpse of the car that McLaren hopes will keep them ahead of Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes in what promises to be an ultra-competitive season.
Norris: “We’ve Got a Lot to Do”
After securing his first four Grand Prix victories in 2024, Lando Norris is targeting a full championship push this season.
While McLaren stole Red Bull’s throne in the Constructors’ standings, Norris fell just short of his first Drivers’ Championship—and he’s more determined than ever.
“This year will be more competitive than ever, so we’ve got a lot to do to be able to retain our Constructors’ title and go for the Drivers’ as well,” Norris admitted.
Despite the pressure of defending a title, the mood inside McLaren remains focused and optimistic.
“I’ve been back at the MTC prepping for the season ahead, and the mood is feeling positive but focused,” Norris added.
“We’re all looking forward to getting the car on track in Bahrain ahead of our competitive debut in Australia and to see where we net out amongst the other teams. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season.”
Piastri: “Winning Has Given Me the Taste for More”
After claiming his first two F1 victories in 2024, Oscar Piastri is eager to take the next step in his career.
“Winning Grands Prix early in my career has given me the taste for success, and I want much more,” the Australian stated.
With the MCL39 now in his hands, Piastri is hungry to build on McLaren’s momentum and push himself even further in 2025.
“The margins at the top are likely to be incredibly tight, but I’m excited by the room for growth after two seasons in the sport.”
Piastri also praised the team’s efforts over the winter, emphasizing the hard work behind McLaren’s rise to the top.
“As a team, we can take great momentum into 2025 after such a brilliant year in 2024,” he said.
“A big thank you to everyone back at base and trackside for all the hard work that’s been done so far.”
McLaren’s Road to Bahrain and Beyond
With pre-season testing set for February 19-21, McLaren will continue refining the MCL39 before the first competitive session in Australia on March 16.
Meanwhile, the team’s full 2025 livery will be revealed on February 18 at the F1 75 Live event in London.
With Norris eyeing his first championship and Piastri growing into a serious title contender, McLaren is ready to fight—but will the MCL39 be strong enough to hold off Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes?
The countdown to the 2025 season is on.
