P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes lessons from McLaren go deeper than visual similarities to Red Bull
McLaren’s extensive upgrades during the summer have transformed their car from one of the slowest to the second-quickest on the grid, with strong performances at the Japanese Grand Prix. They have even outperformed top teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, emerging as Red Bull’s closest competition. The improvements to their MCL60 have drawn comparisons to Red Bull’s RB19 design, leading rivals to believe their success is not a coincidence. However, Mercedes is more interested in how McLaren’s car performs on the track rather than its appearance. The team’s technical director, James Allison, acknowledges McLaren’s impressive progress and sees it as a reference point for what is achievable. He also notes that the field is closing up, with smaller margins and tougher competition, which is expected to continue into next year.
Source: Crash
