McLaren has openly acknowledged that they started the 2023 Formula 1 campaign below their target performance level, falling behind the leading teams instead of making strides towards them as originally intended. However, the Austrian Grand Prix is seen as the starting point for McLaren’s resurgence, as the MCL60 receives its first significant overhaul on the path towards becoming a more competitive B-Spec contender.
Ahead of the race weekend in Austria, McLaren provided a sneak peek at their newly-introduced modifications, which primarily focus on the sidepod area. These changes have been described as a combination of Aston Martin and Red Bull influences, the latter not surprising considering Mercedes and Ferrari have already adopted sidepod solutions similar to the dominant Red Bull team this season through major upgrade packages.
Additionally, McLaren has dedicated effort to revising the floor of the MCL60. For the Austrian Grand Prix, only Lando Norris will run these upgrades, with the package set to reach its next stage at the British Grand Prix. At Silverstone, both Norris and Oscar Piastri will be equipped with the latest version of the MCL60.
Norris expressed optimism about the upgrades, highlighting their potential to propel the team forward. He acknowledged the team’s efforts to expedite the introduction of these modifications, particularly considering the unique nature of the sprint race format and the opportunity to score points in multiple races.
“This is the first upgrade of the season that is meant to bring performance and make us go quicker. It’s been a difficult start, and I’m hoping it will allow us to fight for more points more easily,” Norris explained to Sky F1.
In the lead-up to the Austrian Grand Prix, Norris also discussed the importance of patience in Formula 1. As his name frequently arises in discussions about potential future champions, Norris admitted to working on his patience, a virtue necessary for enduring challenging periods in the sport.
Currently sitting in P11 in the Drivers’ Championship standings with 12 points, Norris aims to improve his position and secure more points in the upcoming rounds.
As McLaren unveils these crucial upgrades, the team hopes to make significant progress and narrow the gap to teams such as Alpine, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Mercedes. The Austrian Grand Prix serves as a pivotal moment in McLaren’s campaign as they strive to regain their competitive edge in the highly competitive Formula 1 field.
