McLaren F1 2026 Car Launch Time
The McLaren F1 2026 car and livery launch is scheduled for Monday, 9 February 2026 at 15:00 GMT (3:00 PM GMT).
The event takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit and is branded as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team launch, marking the start of a new era for the team under its title partnership with Mastercard.
It is one of the last launches on the 2026 grid, which has already added a bit of anticipation among fans who have been waiting to see how the reigning champions will interpret the new regulations.
McLaren F1 2026 Launch Time in Major Regions
The launch stream starts at the same moment worldwide, but local times differ by region. For most fans, the key time zones are:
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15:00 GMT (UK)
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16:00 CET (Central Europe)
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18:00 local time in Bahrain
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10:00 EST (US East Coast)
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07:00 PST (US West Coast)
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20:30 IST (India) – useful for many late‑evening viewers
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00:00 JST on Tuesday, 10 February (Japan)
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23:00 CST (China) on Monday, 9 February
This means some fans will be catching the reveal with morning coffee, while others will be watching as a late‑night treat after work.
Where and How to Watch the McLaren 2026 Car Reveal?
The McLaren 2026 launch is being streamed online from the Bahrain International Circuit, with coverage carried on McLaren’s official digital channels and several F1‑focused outlets.
Viewers can tune in via: McLaren’s social media platforms, McLaren’s official website, and specialist racing sites that are embedding the live stream for free.
The format is expected to feature appearances from Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri, along with the full reveal of the 2026 livery and key talking points about the car.
What Is Being Revealed at the McLaren F1 2026 Launch?
The 2026 event focuses primarily on the livery and season launch rather than a full technical teardown, but it still gives the first proper look at McLaren’s interpretation of the new‑rules era package.
The team already ran a one‑off test livery at a private Barcelona shakedown to hide its real design, so this Bahrain reveal is the first time the final race look will be shown publicly.
Expect a lot of attention on how the Mastercard branding is integrated and how much of the classic McLaren papaya remains on the car.
How Much Did the 2026 McLaren F1 Car Fetch?
The 2026 McLaren MCL40A F1 car has already fetched around 11.4 million US dollars at auction, making it one of the most expensive F1 cars ever sold.
This sale is unusual because the chassis was sold before it even completed a race lap, with the buyer getting a future‑delivery 2026 car plus a 2025 show car as a stand‑in until the real one can be handed over in early 2028.
Reports from PlanetF1 and other outlets note a hammer price of 11,480,000 dollars, placing this McLaren as the sixth‑most expensive Formula 1 car to cross an auction block, behind record holders like the 1954 Mercedes W196R.
The chassis can ultimately be associated with either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, which naturally boosts the appeal for collectors who follow modern F1 more than classic eras.
It is the kind of story that shows how modern F1 machines are now treated as blue‑chip art pieces as much as race cars, even before lights out in 2026.
Why the McLaren 2026 Launch Time Matters for Fans?
Knowing the exact 15:00 GMT launch time helps fans plan whether to watch live or catch highlights, especially with pre‑season testing in Bahrain just days away.
For many, this is the moment the new season finally starts to feel real, as the reigning champions show the car and colors they hope will keep them at the front of the field.
The schedule also gives broadcasters, creators, and news sites a clear window to prepare instant analysis, reaction pieces, and technical breakdowns right after the covers come off.
Disclaimer: The information above is based on currently available public details about the McLaren F1 2026 car launch and may change if the team updates its schedule or plans. Viewers should always confirm timings and streaming links on McLaren’s official channels before the event.
