In the 2024 Formula 1 season, McLaren aims to maintain the progress it made in 2023 and compete with Red Bull for the best of the rest position. Sustaining momentum in the same direction is never easy, but McLaren has identified areas on the car that hindered development in 2023. During the winter, the team focused on creating more opportunities for development in those areas, rather than expecting immediate progress. Additionally, McLaren has welcomed new members to its technical staff, which will influence the team’s development direction. However, it is important for the team to continue excelling in its current strategies until the new staff members settle in. McLaren must not lose sight of the successful path it followed in 2023 and find ways to keep progressing.
Let’s now examine McLaren’s winter work. From the front shot of the car, it is evident that the front wing and nose assembly closely resemble last year’s version. It is possible that they are the same components. These bolt-on units are typically left to develop after observing what other teams have come up with. However, focusing solely on the existing airflow structure can cause missed opportunities. The front brake ducts have a slightly different inlet profile, which may indicate varying brake cooling levels. McLaren is cautious in this area due to previous cooling issues. The team understands that aerodynamic map profiles are only valuable if they are effectively controlled. Therefore, McLaren has prioritized control with its front suspension geometry. The placement of the front wishbone forward leg is similar to the 2023 version, while the rear leg has a lower inboard pickup. The pushrod and lower wishbone are also similarly positioned. Although not visible in the picture, it is likely that the front trackrod aligns with the lower wishbone, as seen in most other cars. The forward-facing camera pod’s position is regulated and consistent across all teams.
One surprising change is observed in the radiator inlet duct. McLaren has deviated from the Red Bull ‘duckbill’ style and opted for a more forward-facing inlet. This alteration affects the flow structure, particularly in the undercut area. The flat style of inlet provides the radiator spillage with more options in terms of flow direction. Consequently, the flow structure on the floor edge detail may be influenced. There are minor adjustments to the floor edge detail, which is crucial for consistent underbody flow. The side view body profile remains similar to last season, with a longer louver panel that can be modified to suit individual circuit requirements. In terms of rear suspension, McLaren has retained the pushrod system. The position of the top rear wishbone rearward leg is similar, but the top wishbone inboard forward leg mount is lower, resulting in increased anti-lift from the rear suspension geometry. The driveshaft, shroud-cum-lower wishbone rear leg, and lower wishbone forward leg are mounted in comparable positions to 2023 but at slightly different angles. Although there are no clear pictures of the rear of the car, it appears that the aerodynamics remain largely unchanged from the previous season, except for the radiator inlet alteration.
During the off-season, McLaren has focused on controlling the aero platform through an improved suspension system. This includes more anti-dive on the front and more anti-lift on the rear. By investing in this aspect, McLaren indicates satisfaction with its aerodynamic performance and believes that further improvements can be achieved by better controlling the platform. The team will prioritize aerodynamics with development updates throughout the season, learning from on-track performance and making necessary adjustments. McLaren acknowledges that starting the season with a steep learning curve and catching up to other teams is a possibility, as was the case last year. Therefore, it is crucial not to squander early points, especially if other teams encounter reliability issues.
According to the Source the-race.com