(Motorsports news) With a car that lacks overall downforce and is not aerodynamically efficient, meaning it generates too much drag for a given degree of downforce, McLaren started the season out on the back foot. In order to put the team’s MCL60 back on track, new team principal Andrea Stella unveiled a recovery plan that comprised a shift in attitude and a substantial improvement program that was managed by a new technical structure at Woking.
The results of its labor were unveiled over the month of July, with McLaren making a significant improvement in performance as it secured two podium finishes with Lando Norris in Silverstone and Budapest. Oscar Piastri then finished second in a wet Belgian Grand Prix sprint on Saturday. Because at lower wing levels the car’s significant drag penalty would cost it more total laptime in the turns than it was worth on the straights, it chose to go for a higher wing level than was ideal for the high-speed course.
Since the beginning of the season, Mclaren have worked very hard on redesigning the car, Stella said. Since there wasn’t much efficiency to gain from adding a little rear wing, we chose to stay where the car is now most efficient. This is something we haven’t yet attacked: the car at low drag levels. “There are more tactical options than just deciding whether to accept being sluggish on the straights or be quick in the turns. It more closely resembles the car’s actual capabilities as a result of the level of the rear wing. This is also where the automobile performs best right now.
“This is definitely something we intend to address in the future because it puts the car in a situation where it’s not always easy to race, especially as the conditions get dry and Eau Rouge flat and you’re exposed to other cars coming past.” “There are more tactical options for the McLaren than just deciding whether to accept being sluggish on the straights or be quick in the turns. It more closely resembles the car’s actual capabilities as a result of the level of the rear wing. This is also where the automobile performs best right now.
“This is definitely something we intend to address in the future because it puts the car in a situation where it’s not always easy to race, especially as the conditions get dry and Eau Rouge flat and you’re exposed to other cars coming past.” We are now working on a few mitigations for Monza because we were unable to complete them in time for this event. As a result, McLaren anticipate performing better at Monza. After that, we still have some time if Vegas needs any more cutting.
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