P1racenews AI automatic summary:
RacingNews365’s technical analyst Paolo Filisetti explains some of the secrets behind McLaren’s dominant MCL38.
When analyzing the competitiveness of the McLaren MCL39, it is crucial to consider both its original design characteristics and subsequent upgrades that have elevated it to the status of an F1 benchmark. McLaren’s success is the result of a long and continuous process of development, with crucial upgrades introduced at specific Grand Prix events such as the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix which focused on vehicle dynamics, front suspension geometry, and aerodynamics. Further improvements to the underbody and wings were made at the Silverstone Grand Prix later that year. Subsequent upgrades were introduced in Singapore, including new sidepod inlets that increased the area underneath, a feature that proved successful in the title-winning 2024 MCL38.
The performance enhancements truly began to manifest at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, where upgrades targeting the underbody and wings, including an outwash effect on the front-wing, optimized airflow in the central section of the floor. Aerodynamic advancements, particularly in aeroelasticity, have allowed McLaren to gain a competitive edge, with innovations seen in both front and rear-wings introduced during the 2024 United States and Baku Grand Prix events. Notably, the rear-wing’s ‘mini-DRS’ invention was a standout feature, reflecting McLaren’s commitment to genuine performance gains rather than mere gimmicks.
