Extreme mechanics enhance the aerodynamics of the new McLaren. The development of the MCL39 stems from the compacting of internal components and a new suspension setup, choices that enable further aerodynamic improvements. The foundation is the car’s architecture, overseen for the first time by Rob Marshall, providing development opportunities that will materialize with updates expected in the early races of the season.
Work on the chassis
“Virtually every fundamental component of the architecture has been innovated to find performance, not just through marginal gains but also by creating development opportunities.” These words from Team Principal Andrea Stella, as reported by RacingNews365, highlight the extensive work done beneath the surface. For the first time, a Woking-built F1 car bears the signature of Rob Marshall, whose work at Red Bull had made his former team a benchmark in packaging—optimizing the layout of internal components.
The few images from the Silverstone shakedown reveal a slimmer engine cover, new vents for hot air evacuation, and a more oval shape for the air scoop above the cockpit. These modifications suggest a reorganization of the components surrounding the power unit, particularly the radiators. Significant work has also been done on the suspension, with the rear push-rod arm angled forward in a Mercedes-style layout, though the exact details are hard to discern due to the livery’s color scheme. At the front, there is a more pronounced height offset between the upper and lower wishbones.
The suspension work is primarily aimed at aerodynamics. The angling of the external elements helps direct airflow towards the Venturi channels while also stabilizing the floor’s posture under braking by reducing pitch. Meanwhile, the team has redesigned the rear section, freeing up space and providing more flexibility for the aerodynamics department. “Sometimes [the changes] serve aerodynamics, while in other cases they improve mechanical grip,” Stella explains. “But in reality, the entire chassis has been optimized, practically from the front wing to the transmission and the rear crash structure.”
Updates in the pipeline
The Team Principal emphasizes that the new ‘skeleton’ of the MCL39 allows for further aerodynamic evolution. The fact that the 2025 McLaren is not a revolution but an extreme evolution ensures continuity, accelerating the development process. The team is already working on its first updates, expected earlier in the season compared to 2024. “We’ve tried to push development as fast as possible, which means there will be updates during the first races of the season,” Stella promises.
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