McLaren continues to enhance the development curve of the MCL38. Recently, during the Mexican Grand Prix, several modifications were made to adapt the car to a unique competitive scenario. This refers to the track’s location, where the rarefied air affects the aerodynamics and cooling of Formula 1 cars. To ensure adequate cooling of the power unit in these specific environmental conditions, the Woking team redesigned the engine cover and part of the side pods of the car.
The aim was to increase the fluid mass through the cooling ducts to maintain operating temperatures within the correct range and, as a result, ensure the same performance the car would exhibit under normal conditions. Additionally, the floor of the car, a key component in this era of wing cars, plays a crucial role. The floor generates “free” aerodynamic load, independent of the downforce provided by the wings, which must maintain consistent downforce across all driving conditions to be efficient.
McLaren has made significant adjustments to the floor, implementing geometric changes in various areas of this element. The historic English team aimed to enhance the total downforce value. According to data collected by the F1 team, currently leading the constructors’ championship, the anticipated benefits have been confirmed. Undoubtedly, the car’s ability to navigate the S2 section of the track named after the Rodriguez brothers has demonstrated this, as the MCL38 proved unmatched in fast, successive corners, both in qualifying and in the race.
In Brazil, there is the Sprint Race. Sixty minutes are allocated to test the car before moving on to the first qualifying session of the weekend, which will determine the starting grid for Saturday’s 100 km mini race. An hour is available to optimize the car’s setup before the parc fermé, which, as per regulations, will not reopen until tomorrow. McLaren arrives in South America with high confidence and a desire to return to victory following Ferrari‘s two consecutive wins, which have tightened the constructors’ championship standings.
F1, McLaren enhances the rear-end load efficiency of the MCL38
In a somewhat unexpected turn, McLaren arrived at the usual FIA tests on Thursday in Brazil with an intriguing update to the rear of their vehicle. This involves a new rear wing characterized by significant aerodynamic innovations. Specifically, within the garage, the presence of a new main plane is evident, marking a substantial change from the previous version. However, there has yet to be a definitive confirmation regarding the second element.
By analyzing the shapes of the main plane to understand how pressure is disturbed, it becomes clear that downforce is primarily concentrated in the central area of the profile. Near the centerline, there is a high-load zone, while outside this band, the vertical thrust gradually decreases. The design tends to rise, thereby reducing the exposed frontal area. This maneuver aims to improve aerodynamic penetration while maintaining a certain angle of incidence that varies non-linearly across the entire width of the profile.
Towards the wing tips, the angle of incidence is drastically reduced to minimize induced drag. This is a clear aerodynamic strategy that allows for the optimization of the overall efficiency of the Formula 1 car. On this particular circuit, the introduction of such a specification will be particularly advantageous, allowing for an expanded setup window and making the car’s tuning process quicker. McLaren will be able to fully leverage the specific conditions of the track, ensuring increased stability and speed in corners.
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