McLaren and Mercedes confirm launch dates

Alonso in the Papaya Orange IndyCar

McLaren has announced the launch date for the new McLaren MCL33 will be on February 23, just days before pre-season is due to get underway in Barcelona.

Having now switched to Renault power after three lackluster years with Honda, the British team is aiming to secure podiums and fight towards the front of the field.

A change of color has been hinted at for the 2018 season, the historical papaya orange which Fernando Alonso ran at the Indy 500 for McLaren Andretti Autosport is the direction the team is set to go in.

The team will field an unchanged driver line-up, with Alonso staying on for a fourth season and Stoffel Vandoorne remaining for his sophomore campaign.

European F3 champion Lando Norris will act as test and reserve driver, alongside his Formula 2 duties with Carlin.

Reigning world champions Mercedes will lift the covers off their 2018 challenger at Silverstone on Thursday February 22 – the same day that rivals Ferrari will unveil their new car.

As in previous years, Mercedes will combine the launch event with an inaugural shakedown of the F1 W09 EQ Power+, with the team confirming that both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will to be given the chance to drive the new car for the first time on the short International Circuit.

As per the regulations, the team will be permitted to cover up to 100km over the course of the day, with the car running on demonstration tires.

Confirmed Launch Dates
Ferrari – February 22
Mercedes – February 22
McLaren – February 23
Toro Rosso – February 25