During a technical media session in Monaco, Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal, discussed not only the MCL39 but also used fruits as a metaphor, comparing tracks on the F1 calendar to apples and pears. Stella emphasized the importance of being specific and precise when analyzing track characteristics, rather than comparing dissimilar events. He differentiated between high-speed tracks like Imola, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, and low-speed tracks like Miami, illustrating the varying demands on the team’s car.
Stella left the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in a unique category due to its mix of long straights, heavy braking zones, and tight corners, creating a more complex challenge for the team. The Montreal track’s low grip and need for close proximity to walls present additional difficulties, impacting driver confidence, especially with the car’s unpredictability during flying laps.
The McLaren MCL39, though the fastest car on the grid, has proven challenging for drivers like Lando Norris, who often struggle to extract its maximum performance in qualifying sessions. This unpredictability was evident early on in Montreal, with both McLaren drivers frequently going off track and encountering difficulties at the Wall of Champions. Ultimately, the unique demands of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve highlighted the team’s need to adapt and improve performance in varied track conditions.
