Three more teams have announced when they will take the covers off their 2018 cars. With Ferrari previously being the only team to do so, it is now joined by Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso, who all confirmed the upcoming dates on Thursday.
Mercedes' 2018 challenger will be unveiled on February 22nd, the same day that rivals Ferrari is set to showcase their car. Mercedes will be gunning for a fifth consecutive title with the W09, having wrapped up both championships in 2017 despite a close championship fight from Ferrari, who will be looking to dethrone the Silver Arrows this year.
Save the date... #W09Countdown pic.twitter.com/fxiOIfCYj8
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) ___Escaped_link_673753403d673___
McLaren's new car, titled the MCL33, will be presented on February 23rd, the day after Mercedes and Ferrari. McLaren is expected to reveal a papaya livery as it hopes to return to the front of the grid after three turbulent years with Japanese manufacturer Honda.
History assembles. #MCL33 launch 23.02.18. #BeBrave pic.twitter.com/ZzxvXgBRZS
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) January 18, 2018
Meanwhile, Toro Rosso will take the covers off its new car at the Barcelona Circuit on February 25th, one day before pre-season testing gets underway. The team will be racing with Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley, the same line-up it ended the 2017 season with.
Team | Launch Date |
Mercedes | February 22nd |
Ferrari | February 22nd |
Red Bull | |
Force India | |
Williams | |
Renault | |
Toro Rosso | February 25th |
Haas | |
McLaren | February 23rd |
Sauber |
Local time
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
HAHAHAHAHaha aaaaw, thats cute! Just love how McLaren didnt include a car from the more recent years, as if they can just remove it and say "didnt happen", and everyone will just be on board with it. You were mediocre during your last 3 Mercedes seasons, you only managed to produce 1 good (arguably even great) chassis during your Honda years, and I sincerely doubt you'll be much better this year! HHAHAHAH ahaha ahah... ah... *sigh* I laugh because its better than sobbing... Poor McLaren...
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I am chronically hopeful that "this year" will be when they turn it around. I just can't keep watching a guy like Alonso wasted fighting for 9th places.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I've been that for a few years now, but it hasnt exactly paid off. I cant get rid of the stench of mediocrity, the same smell surrounding Williams.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
No, please don't compare McLaren to Williams. That's my fear as well. But in truth, while the performance hasn't been there, McLaren is clearly investing and trying different things to get back to the front. Williams' whole strategy seems to have mediocrity built into it.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I just cant see it happen, at least not before 2020. Its nice that they are trying, but trying wont help if you dont succeed. Me trying to get a girlfriend after being single for two years doesnt make me a successful Don Juan. Their success in 2018 will largely depend on their ability to produce a good chassis, and while their 2017 chassis was good, the rest of the recent statistics doesnt look convincing.