P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Paolo Filisetti, technical expert at RacingNews365, explains how McLaren has remained the team to beat in the first half of the 2025 F1 season.
McLaren showcased its dominance at Silverstone during the F1 season’s halfway point, with the powerful MCL39 demonstrating minimal weaknesses. For their home race, the team from Woking decided to introduce significant underbody advancements to solidify their technical edge over competitors. These developments focused on the sidewall and expanding profile, featuring a prominent longitudinal slit that enhanced aerodynamics, especially in conjunction with Venturi duct and diffuser enhancements. The team strategically implemented these changes on a track essentially acting as an open-air wind tunnel, showcasing the pinnacle of aerodynamic and vehicle dynamics integration. The unparalleled balance and tire degradation management of the MCL39 have been acknowledged by all paddock experts.
Throughout the initial 12 races, McLaren’s development of the MCL39 has exhibited inconsistency, frequently adjusting to circuit-specific requirements apart from an early switch for the new front wing in anticipation of forthcoming FIA flexibility tests. Track trials in Imola allowed for direct data comparisons between simulations and real-world results, setting the stage for subsequent intensive development work in Canada primarily focused on front suspension and wing modifications. Following the Barcelona directive against flexible wings, McLaren promptly introduced a new wing design that complied with the updated regulations, showcasing efficient resource allocation in adapting to evolving technical constraints.
