Motorsports
OFFICIALLY. F1 champion announces car launch date for 2026 season
The McLaren team has officially confirmed the presentation date of its car for the 2026 season, in which the British team will defend the Formula 1 championship.
The team from Woking finished last in the starting lineup, announcing plans to launch a next-generation car. The presentation will take place at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain on 9 February, ahead of the first of two three-day pre-season tests.
McLaren will start the season as the reigning constructors’ champion, having won championships under completely different circumstances in 2024 and 2025. Two years ago the team was just 14 points ahead of Ferrari, but last season it dominated the entire championship, gaining a huge advantage over its rivals. Its closest follower was Mercedes, 364 points behind.
McLaren also regained the drivers’ championship for the first time since 2008, when Lewis Hamilton became champion. In the 2025 season, the championship was won by Lando Norris, who beat Red Bull driver Max Verstappen by only two points in a dramatic ending. Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri finished the season in third place, 13 points behind the Briton.
Source: Sport UA
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