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McLaren has opted to defy convention with a trend-bucking rear wing at Monza. But will its contrarian approach pay dividends? RacingNews365 technical expert Paolo Filisetti explains why that choice was made.
McLaren achieved a remarkable one-two finish in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, securing the front row of the grid at Monza. It is evident that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri currently have the top-performing car in F1 with the MCL38. Qualifying at Monza dispelled any doubts about McLaren’s consistency across different track types, showing their dominance from Zandvoort to Monza. An important detail to note is McLaren’s aerodynamic adjustment after the third free practice session, opting for a higher downforce rear wing for qualifying. This strategic choice aims to improve performance in corners, reduce tyre wear, and maintain stability at Monza’s challenging Lesmo corners and long straights. McLaren’s ability to excel at Monza with a ‘non-Monza rear wing’ is a strong statement to their competitors, showcasing their innovative and successful approach at the Italian Grand Prix.
