McLaren MCL32 F1 2017

 The McLaren MCL32 was revealed by the team on February 24th ahead of the 2017 F1 season. It was the successor to the MP4-31, and the first McLaren since 1980 not to carry the ‘MP4’ designation, which was dropped following the departure of Ron Dennis.
McLaren went into the third season of their second partnership with Honda in their longest-ever win-less streak. The team’s last victory had come at the end of the 2012 season, and the first race of 2017 would be the third anniversar of their last podium appearance.

Significant changes in the F1 rules gave the team cause for optimism. The widening of the cars handed an opportunity to the team’s chassis designers to make up for more of the missing performance. And Honda had made clear gains with its power unit in 2016, which promised to accelerate as restrictions on engine development were eased for the new season.
A further change for the team in the off-season was a change in fuel and lubricants supplier. McLaren’s long-term relationship with ExxoMobil came to an end and a new arrangement made to use BP and Castrol’s products.

But while focus around the MCL32 will inevitably be trained on the car's livery, it will ultimately be remembered - and judged - on its on-track performance as the fallen superpowers strive to return to winning ways.
"It's the engineering detail on the MCL32 that really impresses me," said team boss Eric Boullier. "The chassis is incredibly well realised, the power unit has been significantly developed and, in Fernando and Stoffel [Vandoorne], we have a hugely exciting driver pairing that's already blending really well.

"There's a feeling around the factory that we're about to turn the corner."
McLaren showed signs of progress in 2016, their second season of a renewed partnership with engine suppliers Honda, but need much more if they are to jump from sixth in the constructors' standings to podium contenders.

Their best result last season was fifth and F1's eight-time champions' last victory came in 2012, but Alonso, preparing for his third campaign back at McLaren, still insists he will be aiming for wins this year.

The double world champion is joined by highly-rated Belgian rookie Stoffel Vandoorne, who replaces Jenson Button as the Briton moves back to the team's reserve driver.