McLaren has unveiled a series of significant refinements to its 2025 Formula 1 car, as images of the championship-winning challenger surfaced during a shakedown run at Silverstone.
With the current regulations entering their final year, all teams will base their 2025 designs on their predecessors. In McLaren's case, that means building on the car that powered them to the 2024 constructors' championship.
However, the Woking-based outfit is not standing still.
On Thursday, McLaren showcased its heavily camouflaged orange and black 2025 car as it took to the track for a 'filming day' run.
"The orange and black pattern made it difficult to find new aero tricks," noted Auto Motor und Sport journalist Tobias Gruner.
"But a closer look showed that the airbox is now flatter and more oval in shape," he added.
Gruner also observed a "slimmer" nose and revised side mirror mounts, suggesting subtle but important aerodynamic refinements.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown acknowledged the team's progress but remained cautious about expectations for the new season.
"We have to remain realistic," Brown said. "Every team will come out of the winter break improved."
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport's technical expert Paolo Filisetti, the 2025 McLaren might resemble last year's car at first glance, but deeper analysis reveals significant refinements.
"There has been a profound refinement of the project both at a dynamic and aerodynamic level," he reported.
Filisetti highlighted updates to both the front and rear suspension, pointing out lower attachment points and a "striking" change to the bodywork, which now appears less rounded.
Meanwhile, Auto Hebdo noted "more imposing" sidepods with a reworked intake design.
While McLaren secured the 2024 constructors' championship, Lando Norris is now shifting his focus to challenging four-time world champion Max Verstappen for the drivers' crown.
"I need to get my elbows out and show I'm not going to willingly give him any positions," Norris said.
"But I also have to be a smart driver. You have to be smart to go up against Max."
