McLaren has unveiled that its MCL38 Formula 1 vehicle is displaying promising indications similar to the mid-season upgrades that revitalized the team’s competitiveness in 2023. The squad based in Woking accomplished one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in F1 history last season, bouncing back from struggling to accumulate points to consistently achieving podium finishes. As the most reliable contender to Red Bull in the latter half of the season, McLaren aims to capitalize on that success by commencing this campaign with greater strength. Nonetheless, Team Principal Andrea Stella has exercised caution when discussing McLaren’s prospects in 2024, emphasizing that a natural rate of progress remains the priority.
When questioned about McLaren’s potential after last season, Stella informed Speedcafe: “I don’t believe it will be a precipice, it will be more of a gradient. The components are converging. We must proceed with great care, paying attention to how we bring the recipe together. Sometimes, you may possess good components, but if you lack culinary expertise, these components may not yield the expected outcome. This is one of the main aspects that Zak [Brown, McLaren CEO] and I need to focus on, ensuring that all these components combine in the right manner. So far, we are content with our progress.”
Following McLaren’s disastrous start to the previous season, Stella spearheaded a restructuring of the team’s personnel, resulting in the departure of then Technical Director James Key. The British team announced the acquisition of David Sanchez (Car Concept & Performance) from Ferrari and Rob Marshall (Engineering & Design) from Red Bull, who commenced their roles last month alongside Peter Prodromou, forming a new three-pronged arrangement. Stella acknowledges that it will take time for the revised structure to function seamlessly, but he has disclosed that the team is optimistic about the data emanating from the MCL38.
“Undoubtedly, with the inclusion of Rob Marshall and David Sanchez, although we have established a solid structure, it will necessitate adapting our working methods and integrating their ideas and approaches to car development. Therefore, there is still a substantial amount of work ahead of us,” he explained. “Nevertheless, we are highly encouraged by the gradual progress. Even during this winter period, we continue to observe positive developments in the background, similar to what we witnessed prior to Austria or Singapore. It is imperative that we maintain the momentum behind this progress while upholding our strong work ethic and ensuring that everyone remains united and collaborative, as we have successfully achieved in 2023.”
According to the Source motorsportweek.com