F1: McLaren unveil the first car of 2021

The countdown to the first F1 race of the season is on, with Bahrain pre-season testing just under one month away.

Between now and then, every team will be launching their car, having already confirmed their drivers.

McLaren opened 2021’s reveals, showcasing their new machine yesterday (15 January), with Mercedes supplying their engine for the first time in seven seasons.

This was also the first time we officially saw Daniel Ricciardo in orange after his switch from Renault. His teammate, Lando Norris, will continue from where he left off last season.

The Woking-based manufacturer unveiled the MCL35M, hoping it will propel them even further than in 2020.

To save money, due to the effects of COVID-19, all F1 teams have been told to restrict their development. However, McLaren have had to alter their 2020 chassis to deliver the performance the Mercedes engine deserves.

The rear of the car has changed from last year, with a slightly smaller floor and diffuser, but, visually, that is about it.

The eight-time Constructors’ champions finished in the top three in 2020, and will be aiming to repeat the feat this year, closing the gap to the two front-runners, Mercedes and Red Bull, in the process.

The team have also received a boost with American investment firm MSP Sports Capital penning a deal that would see them hold a 30% stake by the end 2022’s season.

One thing is for sure – we will have to wait until 12 March, and then again on the weekend of 28 March, to really see what this historic team will manage.