McLaren Formula 1 team unveils MP4-X concept car

F1 is currently discussing substantial changes to its technical regulations for the 2017 season, which will be focused on making the cars faster and more difficult to drive.

Ferrari released its own concept car in February, in the hope of "provoking" debate about how to adopt radically different car designs in the future that would make F1 more appealing to a new generation of fans.

McLaren's marketing department has now revealed its own future concept, dubbed the MP4-X, which features a closed cockpit, shrouded wheels and aggressive-looking aerodynamic surfaces.

The MP4-X is designed to harness alternative power sources, using solar panels on the sidepods to harness energy from the sun, and includes 'active aerodynamics', whereby the chassis changes shape to adapt to different aerodynamic demands, according to McLaren.

It also features telemetry systems that can communicate in the event of a failure or a problem.

John Allert, group brand director of the McLaren Technology Group, said: "With the futuristic McLaren MP4-X concept race car, we wanted to peer into the future and imagine the art of the possible.

"We have combined a number of F1's key ingredients - speed, excitement and performance, with the sport's emerging narratives, such as enclosed cockpits to enhance driver safety, and hybrid power technologies.

"Formula 1 is the ultimate gladiatorial sport, and the future we envisage will be a high-tech, high-performance showcase that excites fans like no other sport."