McLaren’s impressive performance at the Austrian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris finishing in fourth place, coincided with the introduction of a B-spec version of their MCL60 car. Let’s explore the technical details of McLaren’s upgrades and analyze why they were successful at the Red Bull Ring.
One of the most noticeable changes is the redesigned sidepods, halo, car floor, and engine cover. The new bodywork features wider side-pods with deep and pronounced waterslides, resembling Aston Martin’s approach. This design philosophy aims to push the “dirty” air generated by rotating tires away from the car and direct clean air to the rear aerodynamic elements, maximizing their performance.
The waterslides also prove beneficial during cornering, as they efficiently direct air towards the rear of the car, enhancing cornering stability and enabling faster lap times. Teams have realized the usefulness of waterslides in directing air during changes in direction, contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency.
Second row views. ?#AustrianGP ?? pic.twitter.com/TtGQoRoy0i
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) July 2, 2023
Another trend among teams is the utilization of undercuts, which create space under the car’s side pods to direct more clean air. McLaren’s undercuts are smaller and less deep compared to Aston Martin or Red Bull.
The efficient functioning of undercuts relies on the side floor elements underneath them, which help maintain clean air attachment to the car. McLaren engineers seem to have found an optimal design that suits their configuration.
The new version of the car also features an extended lower lip on the intake, increasing the amount of air passing under the sidepods and directing it. This design resembles the intake introduced by Red Bull last year, which other teams have since adopted.
The rear-view mirror on the MCL60 has undergone a design change, appearing simpler, with slightly different mirror supports. While these changes may not drastically impact the car’s performance, they contribute to overall design improvements.
Unfortunately, the most crucial element, the car’s floor, remains hidden from cameras, preventing detailed analysis. However, McLaren likely gained valuable information about the best floor concept from Sergio Perez’s accident in Monaco.
Since the introduction of new regulations in 2022, the floor has become a crucial source of downforce for F1 cars. Teams invest significant time and resources in developing efficient floor designs to generate the necessary downforce levels.
McLaren has combined new ideas with proven concepts to enhance their car’s performance. The support cable passing through the back of the bodywork is an interesting detail that saves weight. It is also related to changes in the rear suspension, resembling Red Bull’s design, which allows for larger openings and works in conjunction with the sidepods to optimize diffuser and beam wing efficiency.
During the Austrian Grand Prix, only Lando Norris had access to the new upgrades, while his teammate Oscar Piastri drove the older specification. This could explain the noticeable difference in performance. McLaren plans to introduce more upgrades at Silverstone and Hungary, indicating a positive trajectory for the team as they seek to bounce back from a challenging start to the season.
