The official Barcelona tests kick off today. Across the five days scheduled from Monday to Friday, each team is allowed to use only three days on track. This means some teams will start immediately, while others will wait at least until tomorrow. Some delay their debut due to logistical or technical reasons, while others are following a pre-planned strategy. Currently, Williams will not participate, although Aston Martin’s presence remains uncertain. Ferrari has already confirmed that it will start tomorrow, while McLaren has stated that it will begin its program either tomorrow or, at the latest, Wednesday. Meanwhile, the very first images of the new McLaren MCL40 have already appeared on social media. The livery is not yet official, designed specifically for testing, and the technical solutions seen will need to be confirmed once the car actually hits the track.
McLaren mechanics: MCL40 features double push-rod suspension
Starting with the most obvious choices, mechanically McLaren aligns itself with all the other top teams seen so far. Following confirmed previews from Ferrari and Red Bull, and after the reveal of the new Mercedes, the MCL40 also features double push-rod suspension, both front and rear. Technical Director Rob Marshall had previously hinted at this choice, emphasizing that it is primarily driven by aerodynamic considerations. Although the mechanical components in this new generation are slightly less subordinated to aero than in previous cars, this area of the chassis remains crucial for managing airflow. The front suspension layout is aggressive and appears to closely mirror what Ferrari has done with the SF-26, showing a very similar approach in this region. There also seems to have been significant work on the nose, particularly in terms of dimensions, which is notable in a season where some teams have failed chassis crash tests.
At the rear, the principle is the same. With a diffuser considered important for generating downforce, teams are opting for push-rod suspension to free up space underneath and increase airflow through this critical area, which will once again play a key role in overall aerodynamic performance.
Base aerodynamic design, awaiting the ‘real’ MCL40
The Technical Director and Team Principal have indicated that the McLaren that will take to the track in Barcelona will largely resemble the car intended for the first Grand Prix in Melbourne. This approach contrasts with other teams, which often use an early shakedown car to focus solely on initial development. McLaren’s philosophy is to maximize early development so that the car is already well-understood and fairly evolved by the start of the championship. Based on renders, the sidepods appear to feature a pronounced undercut and a top-flow design that recreates the downwash effect seen on recent cars, already visible on Ferrari’s SF-26.
The engine cover design also takes inspiration from Mercedes, starting relatively bulky before tapering gradually around the internal components to create a slightly slimmer rear. This seems to represent a hybrid solution, blending elements from Ferrari’s SF-26 and the Mercedes W17, with a tighter engine cover complemented by subtle rear “nozzle” features pointing toward the tail. More detailed analysis, particularly regarding aerodynamics, will be possible once the actual car hits the track and these preliminary concepts are confirmed.
Leave a Reply