McLaren Launches 2022 Formula 1 Car, the MCL36

The McLaren MCL36 was designed by James Key to compete as the McLaren F1 car in the 2022 Formula One World Championship. While technically built to race in 2021, the MCL36 wasn’t quite in compliance with F1 regulations, but as of its debut on February 11, 2022, the McLaren MCL36 has proven itself a true McLaren F1 car and formidable opponent. Let’s take a look at how it has fared in the tests leading up to the first F1 rounds in March. Then, if you’d like a taste of McLaren engineering, reach out to McLaren Palm Beach to test drive the latest McLaren lineup in West Palm Beach.

McLaren F1 Car Tests in Spain 

As of this writing, the McLaren MCL36 just wrapped its first round of tests in Spain. On day one, McLaren F1 driver, Lando Norris, set the fastest overall time in the Barcelona pre-session. There simply aren’t better omens for what’s to come. McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo placed third in the pre-sessions on February 24, delivering another strong performance. As for the third day, we have no concrete information as of this writing. We’d like to point out to Wellington drivers, however, to the above as evidence that the McLaren MCL36 is already a benchmark in McLaren history, as well as in F1! 

2022 McLaren MCL36 Highlights

The McLaren MCL36 is incredibly lightweight with intense performance specs, thanks to an engine and motor combo that was designed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG®. There simply aren’t commercially available racecars near Boca Raton that are this light and this powerful. Let’s take a look at some of the McLaren F1 cars’ astonishing specs and performance features: 

• 0-62 mph time of 1.7 seconds 
• 980 hp 
• Top speed of 223 mph 
• Carbon fiber composite
• 8-speed + 1 reverse sequential seamless semi-automatic transmission operated via paddle shifters with limited slip epicyclic differential
• Lithium-ion battery
• 1,753 lbs weight (including driver) 
• 6 piston calipers, carbon ventilated discs/pads
• Electro-hydraulically operated, carbon multi-plate
• 1.6 L (98 cu in) direct injection V6 turbocharged engine limited to 15,000 RPM in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout
• Mercedes-AMG® electric motor 
• Carbon fiber and steel pullrod suspension legs and elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system

Have Questions About the McLaren F1 Car? 

Now that you’ve read about the McLaren MCL36, if you have questions about McLaren F1 racing, don’t hesitate to call McLaren Palm Beach at 561-462-1180. While the McLaren MCL36 isn’t street legal or available to the public, we urge you to test drive the latest lineup of McLaren vehicles, which are lighter, faster, more efficient and sharper-handling than ever. While you’re here, explore our new vehicle specials, or get to know the McLaren F1 racing team.