P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has admitted that the team is preparing to experience “a bit of damage encounter” during this
McLaren has maintained its positive momentum from last season and currently holds the position as the lead Mercedes-powered team in third place. The team is cautious about the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix after a five-year absence, as the Shanghai International Circuit’s layout may expose weaknesses in their MCL38 car. McLaren’s Racing Director, Stella, anticipates challenges due to the track’s slow-speed hairpins and winding corners, which are not favorable for their current car setup. The team is focused on implementing upgrades to address their slow-speed deficit and improve performance in the second part of the season. McLaren is preparing for the first Sprint event of 2024 in China, where limited practice time could create opportunities that the team aims to capitalize on. With a 35-point lead over Mercedes, McLaren is determined to maintain its advantage and continue to perform strongly in the championship standings.