P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren F1 team bracing for "damage limitation" in Chinese GP
McLaren started off the 2024 season positively, positioned as the third team in the pecking order ahead of Mercedes as they entered the fifth round. While the team thrives on high-downforce tracks, it acknowledged its ongoing struggle with low-speed performance at the beginning of the year. The upcoming race at the Shanghai International Circuit poses a significant challenge due to its abundance of low-speed, hairpin turns that expose McLaren’s grip deficiencies. Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed concerns about the competitive aspect of the Shanghai circuit, anticipating a tougher race compared to previous events. Nonetheless, Stella sees the opportunity in the unique sprint format and limited practice time, recognizing the chance for McLaren to shine if they can adapt swiftly to the track conditions. With an eye towards improvement in the latter part of the season, McLaren aims for a stronger performance starting from the Miami race.
