P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Aston Martin is set to investigate whether McLaren’s approach to bringing upgrades has inspired its rise to become Formula 1’s benchmark team.
McLaren’s MCL38 has emerged as the leading package in the F1 paddock for 2024, despite introducing minimal developments compared to rivals. The team’s optimized existing components have played a key role in elevating its competitiveness, with only a revised front wing introduced as a new part between update packages in Miami and Zandvoort. In contrast, Aston Martin, which initially competed with McLaren, faced setbacks and regressed after encountering unexpected complications following upgrades to the AMR24 at Imola. Aston Martin’s boss, Mike Krack, acknowledges the need to review methods behind McLaren’s success, highlighting the correlation between upgrades and performance gains. Krack also points to Mercedes’ resurgence as evidence that substantial progress is possible with a stable and well-behaved car under the current regulations. Despite Aston Martin’s likely fifth-place finish in the campaign, the team is ahead of a struggling RB team in the standings.
