McLaren finally runs the MCL40 in Barcelona as Norris takes first laps

McLaren’s brand‑new MCL40 hit the tarmac on day three of pre‑season testing at Barcelona, with Lando Norris completing the car’s first on‑track laps. The team skipped day one by design and lost day two to rain, so the Briton’s run marked the long‑awaited debut of the 2026 chassis.

Why it matters:

• The MCL40 is the foundation of McLaren’s 2026 campaign; early data will shape set‑up choices for the season opener.
• A full‑black livery on the test car hints at a visual overhaul that will be revealed at the official launch on 9 Feb.
• Norris’s feedback is crucial, as he is the team’s lead driver and will help translate the car’s raw performance into race‑pace.

The details:

• Testing schedule: Day three offered dry, stable conditions after a rain‑soaked start, allowing McLaren to run a longer program.
• Driver stint: Norris completed an installation lap, returned to the garage, then logged a series of laps. No official lap‑time figures were released, but the focus was on tyre warm‑up and aerodynamic balance.
• Teammate outlook: It remained unclear whether Oscar Piastri would inherit the car later in the session or stay on the bench for a full‑day run.
• Grid context: Mercedes (with George Russell) and Haas (Oliver Bearman) were also on track. Red Bull and Ferrari sat out, while Alpine and Racing Bulls added to the line‑up.

What's next:

• McLaren will analyze the telemetry from Norris’s run to refine the MCL40’s suspension and aero package before the official launch.
• The 9 Feb event will showcase the final livery and likely reveal key technical upgrades aimed at closing the gap to the front‑running teams.
• With the season opener looming, the data gathered in Barcelona will be a benchmark for both drivers as they fine‑tune the car for the early races.