McLaren reveals dark new F1 livery

(GMM) McLaren has revealed a striking new 'graphite' livery ahead of the Spanish grand prix.

The British team confirmed on Tuesday that it is launching a new look for Barcelona and beyond.

Some believe the move was to distance McLaren from its chrome-themed, Mercedes-powered past, especially in light of the new works partnership with Honda.

But a McLaren spokesman said it is actually to adapt the car for day races as well as "the floodlights increasingly used in twilight and night races".

"The result is a dynamic, predatory, graphite-grey coloration, complemented by McLaren-dayglo 'Speedmarks' and keylines, reducing the reflection issues caused by our latest chrome-silver treatment," he added.

On Wednesday, the Woking team released the first images of the revised, dark grey – almost black – car with its florescent orange flashes and white sponsor logos.

It is only the third basic McLaren livery change since 1975, when the first red and white Marlboro cars emerged. In 1997, McLaren moved to the familiar black and silver in deference to Mercedes and the tobacco backer West.

Some, like Auto Motor und Sport's Michael Schmidt, were immediately comparing McLaren's new dark look to backmarker HRT's in 2010, while others were more complimentary.

"Very dynamic and aggressive. Well done McLaren!" said Valtteri Bottas' manager Didier Coton on Twitter.