McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton whipped the covers off the MP4-27 to a waiting crowd at the McLaren Technology Centre. The 2012 car looks similar to its predecessor but has subtle changes. The sidepods have been redesigned after the FIA's changes to the exhaust regulations, and the rear bodywork has been sculpted.

The team finished the 2011 season as runner up in both championships, second only to Red Bull. With all eyes on them to provide a significant challenge to the defending champions this year, Martin Whitmarsh feels they have made some good progress.

"We have a fantastically committed team of individuals, and MP4-27 is the fruit of their labours – it’s a beautiful car, and one we feel is the perfect platform from which to launch our assault on the world championship. While there are clear visual changes to this year’s car, there’s greater change beneath the skin, with lots of fresh thinking applied to every major system. The car is pleasingly complete."

He's also confident in their drivers, with the team confidently calling them the "best driver line-up in Formula 1." For his part, Lewis Hamilton was looking forward to the winter after a tough season, but the break has done him good and he's ready to get back behind the wheel.

"It’s always great to get away from everything; change the scenery. And what’s great about Formula 1 is that you start each season with the baseline completely reset – everybody starts again from zero – and that always makes me so hungry."