McLaren F1: Team Thread

Here’s some photos from Karun Chandoks twitter from the McLaren launch: (PS I ****ing love Karun- he’s been a cracking pundit)







Those top two pictures give you such a better idea of the shapes and streamlining going on.

Some people have said it’s a “safe” car versus the Aston Martin but I think the photos here show ambition.

The big philosophy difference between the two for me is the drag - McL appears to have kept their slimline for straight line prowess- the big question is have they found the downforce for the slower and medium stuff?

 

Great images. Karun Chandhok has amazing knowledge and insight, sad really that his F1 career was so short.

 

PS look at the second photo - they have actually put a cover over the rear floor to hide the detail

 

What's the safe vs Aston? From an absolute layman's perspective when it come to aerodynamics, the Macca seems to be more aggressive and far more compact (girth wise) rather than what looks like quite a wide bodied Aston.

 

Actually what I've noticed is the McLaren has gone for more length to maximise the impact it can have while the aston is smaller but ribbed to work in another way.

2 different philosophies, will be interesting to see what works best.

 

So what you're saying is, the Aston is smaller and more agile, and while it may please us somewhat, It's really going the be the thrust from the Macca that gets the juices flowing?

 

Let's see how they both stand up

 

Yeah the Aston “tub” looks so wide compared to how cars have been designed in recent seasons, particularly those with the Merc engine who have always had the split turbo advantage to narrow things at the back.

Interesting to see teams coming at it from different angles!

 

Is it me or does it look like there's a cover over the floor at the rear section.

 

There is- clearly the floor will be a key differentiator again so they’ll keep that away from eagle eyes for now.

 

May get some McLaren shakedown content on Monday or Tuesday in Barcelona!

 

In fact- is that the Ferrari motor home next door too??

EDIT yes they are due in Barcelona - might get both then!!

 

And I see there's the Haas motorhome on the yellow hatching.

(Sorry Haas. I tried to say Williams, but I'm a Brit and I couldn't bring myself to do it.)

 

This afternoon I hope folks!

 

Looks like a different nose to launch day spec and potentially front wing too

 

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Interesting- McLaren may have initially just gained a small advantage whilst teams look to tweak floor setups to get on top of this porpoising issue.

More a time/focus win as other teams have to just spend some time sorting it but still.

Little concerned that the big three could lobby for technical change and simpler suspension rules that would eradicate McLarens good initial work- let’s hope not.