Black is back, and in a big way. The coming Formula 1 season is hardly shaping up to be a vintage year for eye-catching liveries. As the name of the MCL60 alludes to, McLaren is celebrating its diamond anniversary this year. But its latest creation doesn’t pay tribute to an illustrious history by wearing a predominantly papaya paintjob. There’s just as much exposed carbon fibre weave as there is bright orange.
Mercedes has gone even further. The eight-time constructors’ champion will be defined overall this term by its winter powers of resurrection to take the fight to Red Bull and Ferrari. The W13 must eliminate the excessive levels of drag and bouncing that dogged the outfit so severely in 2022 upon the return of ground-effects to F1. However, the main talking point in the immediate aftermath of Merc’s launch on Wednesday was the return of the ‘Black Arrows’.
