MCL32 is "a proper McLaren" - Vandoorne

McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne appeared highly enthusiastic at the team's 2017 car launch on Friday, describing the striking new MCL32 car, with its orange and black paint job, as "a proper McLaren".

The Belgian replaces Jenson Button as a full-time racer this season, and was clearly impressed by both the livery and design of his new machine, in which he will be hoping to make a good impression against his world champion team-mate Fernando Alonso.

"It's really nice to see a McLaren looking like a proper McLaren," Vandoorne said. "The livery is a great mix of the past and the future: the orange of the 1960s and '70s, but pushed forwards. I really like it.

"As for the car itself, it looks great. There are so many beautiful little details - the gills on the nose hangers, the bargeboards, the front wing - it all looks incredibly well-finished and thoroughly thought-out."

Vandoorne was evidently eager to start work in the car - the first pre-season test in Barcelona begins on Monday, giving him only a short time to wait before he can get behind the wheel.

"This is the moment I've been waiting for my whole life", he said of the season ahead. "My preparation has been long, intense and meticulous. I've spent the winter training ferociously hard, I'm fitter now than I've ever been, and I'm raring to get going. This is my opportunity. And I'm ready."

 

Mason Hawker

Funny How a Rookie tells whether its a proper McLaren. If it isn't commissioned by Ron, it ain't McLaren.

  • 2
  • Feb 24 2017 - 19:16

Replies (3)

Login to reply
  • We'll see whether its a "proper" McLaren soon enough. Sorta wish they'd go for the sort of metallic orange they have on the P1, but watchers aint choosers, I guess. It still looks OK, will probably look better when we see it going around the track, but will it be competitive?

    • + 0
    • Feb 24 2017 - 18:24
  • Funny How a Rookie tells whether its a proper McLaren. If it isn't commissioned by Ron, it ain't McLaren.

    • + 2
    • Feb 24 2017 - 19:16
    • They feel the need to state that because most Mclaren fans have already woken up to the reality so they dismiss this poser organization.

      • + 0
      • Feb 25 2017 - 15:12

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country BE
  • Date of b. Mar 26 1992 (34)
  • Place of b. Kortrijk, BE
  • Weight 65 kg
  • Length 1.77 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar