F1: McLaren unveil 2021 MCL35M and Daniel Ricciardo
By Short Shift News
McLaren has launched their 2021 MCL35M today as Lando Norris and new recruit Daniel Ricciardo officially opened their 2021 season.
In the first virtual launch for the F1 season, McLaren pulled the covers off their relatively unchanged car (in terms of visuals) – however, if you look a little deeper, the McLaren car has undergone several changes ahead of the upcoming season.
Firstly, the addition of the famous number three, sported by the ever-smiling Australian, Daniel Ricciardo. The 31-year-old joins McLaren after two seasons with Renault and believes McLaren is his best shot at the title.
McLaren also welcomes the return of Mercedes Power Units. The Woking-based team last ran Mercedes in 2014 and have re-established their partnership for 2021 and beyond.
Of course, the F1 rule changes means teams have been forced to use modified versions of their 2020 chassis this year, ahead of the introduction of all-new cars in 2022.
Ricciardo joined Norris, who begins his third season with the team, at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking to uncover the new car.
Team-mate Norris looks to improve on his 2020 form, which saw him claim his maiden F1 podium and finish ninth in the overall standings.
The 2021 Formula One season gets underway on March 12, with a three-day test in Bahrain ahead of the season opener on March 28.
See below some shots of the MCL35M (Image Credit: F1/McLaren)