McLaren MCL40: New suspension covers, aero sensors and rear wing study revealed in Sakhir. McLaren introduces the first updates to the MCL40 during Bahrain testing.

F1 | McLaren introduces the first updates to the MCL40 during Bahrain testing

Lando Norris ended the opening day of pre-season testing in Bahrain with the fastest lap, giving the strong impression that the papaya-colored MCL40 is off to a promising start. The team has already shown the first updates, including modifications to the suspension mounting covers on the chassis and adjustments to the cooling system. Notably, sensors were observed on the main rear wing profile, hinting at detailed aerodynamic studies.

Some teams arrived in Bahrain with cars very different from the ones used during the Barcelona shakedown. This was not the case for McLaren: the reigning world champions had arrived in Spain two days late to finalize the setup that technical director Rob Marshall and his team believe will give them an edge for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, marking the start of the season for agile new cars.

The MCL40 may have seemed unfinished at Montmeló, but judging by the pace shown at the start of testing in Sakhir, it’s possible that McLaren had simply concealed its true potential. In the afternoon session, Lando Norris comfortably led the timing sheets, finishing the first day at the top. Woking’s car is powered by the Mercedes engine, considered one of the benchmarks in the paddock, but the general feeling is that the MCL40 is also a fundamentally solid car, designed well from the outset.

First updates to the MCL40

Although the Bahrain car is not drastically different from the Barcelona debut version, McLaren introduced several updates. During Tuesday’s filming day, the MCL40 already featured a rear arm cover on the lower front suspension wishbone, shaped like an airfoil, connecting to the chassis.

This solution was previously applied on the MCL39, with the championship-winning team dedicating significant effort to designing carbon covers for suspension arms with shapes specifically optimized for aerodynamics. In Bahrain, the bargeboard support also aligns with the suspension element, demonstrating the precision of Woking’s aerodynamic development and flow management.

Cooling adjustments for Sakhir conditions

On the engine cover, small vents are visible on either side of the serrated vertical fin. These openings help evacuate heat from the central radiator mounted above the six-cylinder internal combustion engine. While such measures weren’t needed in Barcelona due to low ambient temperatures, in Bahrain the team had to protect the reliability of the power unit under 25°C air and 35°C track temperatures.

Rear wing sensors and aerodynamic data

Another fascinating development is the instrumentation fitted to the main profile of the rear wing. Woking’s aerodynamicists installed a series of sensors along the leading edge of the mainplane to precisely measure load variations between the movable flaps—whether open, closed, or in transition. This level of data acquisition demonstrates McLaren’s commitment to understanding airflow behavior and optimizing downforce and stability under different conditions.