Despite the impressive qualifying results in Hungary, McLaren remains cautious about their performance in low-speed corners. After Lando Norris secured second place at Silverstone, he acknowledged that the McLaren struggled in low-speed sections. However, the team showed promise at the Hungaroring, with Norris narrowly missing pole position and Oscar Piastri securing fourth on the grid.
Norris admitted being somewhat surprised by their qualifying success but pointed out that the Hungaroring has more medium-speed sections than commonly thought. He mentioned that the team’s weaknesses become evident in select corners, such as the chicane, Turn 1, and Turn 12, where they lose valuable time. Despite the potential challenges in certain upcoming races, Norris commended the team’s progress and was proud of their performance.
McLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, supported Norris’ assessment of the Hungaroring, emphasizing that the track is dominated by medium-speed corners with some high-speed elements. While McLaren’s GPS data showed they were among the slowest in low-speed areas, their performance in medium and high-speed sections was strong due to recent upgrades. Stella explained that the car’s balance was important, and while they had improved medium-speed competitiveness, there was still work to be done in low-speed corners.
The team’s upgrades had increased overall grip without altering the balance significantly, resulting in faster lap times. However, they recognized the need for improvements in front-end grip, rear-end grip during braking, and traction in the middle of corners. Despite these challenges, the team was optimistic about their progress and the competitive performance displayed in Hungary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about medium-speed corners
What was McLaren’s performance like in the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying?
McLaren’s performance in the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying was impressive, with Lando Norris securing a spot on the second row of the grid, narrowly missing pole position by 0.085 seconds. Oscar Piastri also performed well, claiming fourth place on the grid.
How did Lando Norris feel about McLaren’s qualifying rewards?
Lando Norris admitted to some surprise regarding McLaren’s qualifying rewards. He suggested that the Hungaroring circuit, often considered a slow-speed track, actually has more medium-speed corners. Despite the surprise, Norris was happy with the team’s progress and the competitive lap times.
In which sections of the circuit did McLaren struggle during the qualifying?
McLaren faced difficulties in low-speed corners during the qualifying session. The chicane, Turn 1, and Turn 12 were particularly challenging areas where the team lost significant time.
What did McLaren team principal Andrea Stella say about the Hungaroring track?
Andrea Stella supported Lando Norris’ claims about the Hungaroring having more medium-speed corners than commonly believed. He explained that the track is dominated by medium-speed corners and some high-speed elements.
How did McLaren’s GPS data reveal their performance strengths and weaknesses?
According to the GPS data, McLaren demonstrated strength in the medium and high-speed sections of the Hungaroring. However, they were among the slowest in low-speed areas, such as Turn 1 and Turn 12, where they struggled to maintain competitive lap times.
How did the recent upgrades affect McLaren’s performance?
The recent upgrades brought added medium-speed performance to the car, which contributed to their competitiveness in certain sections of the track. However, the upgrades did not significantly alter the balance of the car or the way grip was delivered, leaving some room for improvement in low-speed performance.
What were the key takeaways from McLaren’s performance in Hungary?
McLaren’s performance in Hungary highlighted their competitiveness in medium and high-speed corners due to recent upgrades. However, they acknowledged the need for further improvement in low-speed corners to maintain a consistently competitive edge. Despite the challenges, the team remained optimistic about their progress and overall performance.
More about medium-speed corners
- McLaren Official Website
- Hungarian Grand Prix – Formula 1 Official Website
- Lando Norris – Official Twitter Account
- Oscar Piastri – Official Instagram Account
- F1 Flow Images – Motorsport Photography
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