The Japan Times - Norris puts 2025 McLaren through its paces at Silverstone

The car ran in a one-off colour scheme described by the British-based team as a "geometric camo design in shades of papaya and black" as part of promotional filming.

Their 2025 livery will be revealed at the official season launch event at the London's O2 on February 18, alongside the other nine teams.

McLaren are targeting a successful defence of the constructors' championship as well as a first drivers' championship since Lewis Hamilton won in 2008.

Britain's Norris fell short in his quest to take his first title last year after Max Verstappen saw off his challenge to land his fourth consecutive crown.

But the 25-year-old, and Australian team-mate Piastri, 23, delivered McLaren's first constructors' championship since 1998.

Norris was first to drive the new McLaren on Thursday, with Piastri due to take over at Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix, later in the day.

"This year will be more competitive than ever, so we've got a lot to do to be able to retain our constructors' title and go for the drivers' as well," said Norris.

"I've been back at the MTC (McLaren Technology Centre) prepping for the season ahead and the mood is feeling positive but focused.

"We're all looking forward to getting the car on track in Bahrain ahead of our competitive debut in Australia and to see where we net out amongst the other teams. It's shaping up to be an exciting season."

Piastri, who finished fourth in the 2024 drivers' standings, said he was "excited for the room for growth after two seasons in the sport".

He added: "As a team, we can take great momentum into 2025 after such a brilliant year in 2024."

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown was upbeat about the car but said it was too soon to know how it would measure up against rival teams.

"It's great to get our championship challenger, the MCL39, on track for the first time and to launch the culmination of the team's hard work," he said.

"We must be realistic that every team will have made progress over the winter. Last year highlighted just how much the grid has closed up, which is a brilliant thing for the sport.

"We believe we have made further steps forward since the championship-winning MCL38 but we won't know where we sit in the standings until we get into qualifying in Australia."

Pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain from February 26 to 28 ahead of the opening race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, on March 16.

T.Kobayashi--JT