McLaren unveils their MP4-25 Formula One car

The car was unveiled by 2009 World Champion Jenson Button and 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton at an event held at title sponsors Vodafone's headquarters in Newbury, UK, in front of the media and a live global internet audience.

"The car looks so much different, completely different," said 2008 title winner Hamilton, with the car featuring a 2009 Red Bull-style high nose. Team boss Martin Whitmarsh said the car is so much longer than last year's that it did not fit in the factory's custom lifts, and for the first time McLaren has incorporated a radical 'shark fin' engine cover. Whitmarsh also added that the car's double-diffuser design is "fairly extreme".

Despite the withdrawal of Mercedes-Benz as a main sponsor, McLaren has decided to retain its silver livery long associated with the German brand. When asked about the colour, Whitmarsh referred to McLaren's long-standing and ongoing relationship with Mercedes, which has included periods of increased and decreased involvement. "It's a McLaren brand colour, it works for our partners and us," he added.