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McLaren begins 2018 Formula 1 season with Renault

Will the new engine be enough to power them to the top?

Autodeal on Feb 26, 2018

McLaren revealed its 2018 Formula 1 (F1) challenger called the MCL33. Aside from having a brand new Renault engine, the race car also features the papaya orange and blue color livery first used by the team’s founder Bruce McLaren 50 years ago.

Related: Rivals Ferrari and Mercedes launch new Formula 1 race cars for 2018 season

According to the Woking-based team, the MCL33 is a logical development of its predecessor. McLaren took all the data from its disastrous 2017 campaign with Honda and worked on optimizing this year’s race car around its new Renault engine. In addition, the team also had to make the necessary adjustments to incorporate the Halo safety device and revised engine cover.

Driving this race car will be two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso, who has been busy participating in various forms of motorsport during the off-season to chase that all-elusive triple crown. Alonso will be joined by Stoffel Vandoorne, who is starting his second season with the team and F1.

It’s good. The good thing about these days is the emotional part. After a very intense time in the factory for a few months, everyone working very hard, very proud of the team, and finally today arrives. The guys running, we’re all happy… I think good times are coming.

Fernando Alonso
McLaren driver

McLaren finished ninth in the constructor’s standings, just ahead of bottom-feeder Sauber. Will McLaren’s new engine be able to power the team back into contention or will it be another disappointing partnership? Guess we’ll find out soon.