The initial two phases of a comprehensive three-step upgrade, aimed at modifying virtually all of the car’s aerodynamic components, seem to have improved McLaren’s earlier struggling performance this season.
Ever since the introduction of the upgrades in Austria, Lando Norris has consistently qualified among the top four in the last three GPs, and was second only to Max Verstappen in Silverstone and the previous weekend at the Hungaroring.
However, McLaren’s team director, Andrea Stella, cautions that the team’s recent streak of success may not carry forward to the Belgian venue during the sprint race weekend. He suggests that categorizing it as a high-speed circuit dismisses the fact that significant lap time is earned differently.
Stella highlighted the importance of three specific low-speed corners in achieving superior performance at Spa. However, McLaren’s recent upgrades primarily enhanced their vehicle’s performance in medium- to high-speed turns.
Stella stated: “Even though Spa is typically considered a high-speed circuit, the fastest corner, which is corner 10 [Pouhon], is flat during qualifying. A significant amount of lap time is found in corner one [La Source], which is [50mph], corner eight [Les Combes], which is [60mph], and the final chicane, which is [55mph].
“Therefore, without sounding redundant, I approach these three corners with caution as we currently lose time there. That sums up our situation.
“It’s also a sprint event. Hence, aside from outright performance, it is crucial how quickly you can adjust your car to the track’s demands.
“Spa is an incredibly challenging track, for example, in determining your ride heights. With Eau Rouge, you cannot run too low, or you risk encountering issues underneath the car.
“So, the speed at which you can adjust your car could significantly impact the performance throughout the week.”
The last component of its extensive upgrade was initially slated to be introduced in Budapest, but it was postponed due to longer than expected design and production timelines. It might make its first appearance this weekend at Spa.
While McLaren is optimistic that its enhancements have produced more downforce, thereby improving tyre management, Norris believes the MCL60 still doesn’t cater well to his preferred driving style at lower speeds.
He remarked: “The car’s handling still falls short of my ideal expectations. If asked ‘what do you need from a perfect car?’, I feel it is significantly different from my preferences.
“It’s a matter of focusing on slow-speed corners and load, as well as handling simultaneously.
“If we manage to advance both of these aspects together, that will constitute our most substantial leap forward, eliminating any current weaknesses and enhancing our overall strength.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about McLaren Belgian GP performance
What improvements has McLaren made to their car recently?
McLaren has implemented the first two stages of a comprehensive three-step upgrade aimed at modifying virtually all of the car’s aerodynamic components. These improvements have enhanced the car’s performance, particularly in medium- to high-speed turns.
How have these upgrades affected McLaren’s performance?
Since the introduction of the upgrades in Austria, Lando Norris has consistently qualified among the top four in the last three GPs. He has also finished as a runner-up to Max Verstappen in Silverstone and the previous weekend at the Hungaroring.
Why does McLaren’s team boss, Andrea Stella, caution about the team’s performance at the Belgian GP?
Andrea Stella suggests that the characterization of the Belgian GP as a high-speed track overlooks the fact that significant lap time is earned differently. He pointed out that three specific low-speed corners are key to achieving superior performance at Spa. However, McLaren’s recent upgrades primarily enhanced their vehicle’s performance in medium- to high-speed turns, which may not favour these corners.
What does Lando Norris say about the car’s performance at lower speeds?
Norris believes the McLaren MCL60 doesn’t cater well to his preferred driving style at lower speeds, despite the recent aerodynamic upgrades. He feels the car is significantly different from his ideal performance expectations and the focus should also be on improving slow-speed corners and handling.
What is the status of the final phase of McLaren’s upgrade?
The last component of its extensive upgrade was initially slated to be introduced in Budapest, but it was postponed due to longer than expected design and production timelines. It might make its first appearance this weekend at the Belgian GP.
More about McLaren Belgian GP performance
- McLaren’s Season Performance
- Detailed Review of the Belgian GP
- Lando Norris’s Driving Style
- In-Depth Analysis of McLaren’s Car Upgrades
- Andrea Stella’s Career and Insights
7 comments
Norris knows his stuff, doesn’t he! Not just a driver, but a proper technician on wheels. I like his approach to handling… gives me a fresh perspective on the races.
I thought the upgrades were a game changer, but looks like it’s not enough? Hopefully, they’ll make the necessary tweaks before the race.
So the final part of the upgrade is delayed. These things happen, but fingers crossed it arrives in time for the Belgian GP…
Wait, so even after all these upgrades, Norris still ain’t happy with the car? That’s some high expectations he’s got!
Just goes to show it ain’t just about speed. Gotta navigate those tricky corners. even if Spa’s considered a ‘high-speed’ track, there’s more to it than that…
Interesting to see how they perform at Spa… if these low-speed corners really are a problem, they might struggle more than they think.
wish McLaren would pick up the pace, always liked their spirit! they need to figure out those low-speed corners and keep the momentum going.