McLaren Mercedes reveals its MP4-26

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has unveiled its 2011 Formula 1 challenger – the MP4-26.

The team revealed the car in Berlin today, streamed live in the internet.

McLaren has waited until the first round of F1 testing has completed before revealing its new car, with regular drivers Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and test driver Gary Paffett completing the testing duties in an interim MP4-25. The team has mainly concentrated on understanding the new Pirelli tyres at Valencia for the past three days.

The new McLaren includes a number of new features, including a long flat raised nose, L-shaped sidepods, and airbox updates.

The exhaust on the McLaren is a traditional layout, unlike the radical Renault version that has raised eyebrows in the F1 paddock this week.

Following today’s launch, Paffett will shake down MP4-26 during a private session at the Idiada Proving Ground in Spain on February 8 before the team begins track testing at the Jerez on February 10.

For more news on the latest F1 tests, check the links below.

Day 1 test CLICK HERE

Day 2 test CLICK HERE

Day 3 test CLICK HERE