For now, only Lando Norris has access to the updates, while Oscar Piastri must wait until the British Grand Prix as the team manufactures enough parts for both sides of the garage.
As expected, McLaren has made a directional shift in its design, following the lead of Mercedes and Ferrari, who have also abandoned their previous concepts in favor of the now-common downwash ramp-style solution.
McLaren’s new design shows clear influences from both the Red Bull RB19 and Aston Martin AMR23, particularly in the front-end of the car.
One noticeable influence from the RB19 is the open top, underbite-style sidepod inlet, which allows for a shallower opening and a more generous undercut. This design element extends further down the sidepod assembly, reaching the ramp section and tapering into the floor. The metal support stay intersects the bodywork and anchors at the engine cover.
To optimize the flow downstream, the rear view mirror body and stays have been repositioned in response to the changes made to the inlet. Additionally, the halo features a new fairing with a blade-style transition out of the cockpit section, along with a winglet mounted on the side of the safety structure.
The sidepods draw significant attention due to their resemblance to the AMR23 design, particularly in the waterslide gulleys. McLaren has opted for a deeper solution similar to Aston Martin’s approach this season. The airflow is directed into the coke bottle region at the rear of the car, as shown in the top-down three-quarter view.
The reprofiling of the engine cover alters the airflow’s passage over the rear of the car and necessitates the movement and resizing of the cooling gill panel, which is now located across the shoulder of the cover instead of having multiple vertical openings.
In addition to the sidepods, the floor has also undergone substantial revisions as part of this upgrade package. Although most of the technical details remain hidden beneath the underfloor, some noteworthy design aspects can be observed on the upper surfaces. The floor fences have been redesigned and repositioned to enhance the performance of the front corner of the underfloor. The bulge concealing the lower SIS within the floor structure has been increased in size due to the tightened surrounding surfaces. Furthermore, the rear cutout and flap arrangement ahead of the rear tire have been discarded.
While much of the technical innovation remains concealed, McLaren’s F1 upgrade showcases a variety of new and intriguing design elements, incorporating influences from Aston Martin and Red Bull.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about F1 upgrade
What are the influences behind McLaren’s F1 upgrade?
McLaren’s F1 upgrade draws influences from both Aston Martin and Red Bull. Design cues from the Red Bull RB19 and Aston Martin AMR23 are evident in the front-end design elements.
What changes have been made to the sidepods?
McLaren has implemented an open top, underbite-style sidepod inlet, similar to the RB19. The sidepods also resemble Aston Martin’s AMR23 design, particularly in the waterslide gulleys, which have been made deeper to optimize airflow.
How has the airflow over the rear of the car been altered?
The airflow over the rear of the car has been modified by reprofiling the engine cover. This resulted in the movement and resizing of the cooling gill panel, now positioned across the shoulder of the cover instead of having multiple vertical openings.
What revisions have been made to the floor design?
The floor has undergone substantial revisions. The floor fences have been redesigned and repositioned to enhance the performance of the front corner of the underfloor. The bulge concealing the lower SIS has been increased in size, and the rear cutout and flap arrangement ahead of the rear tire have been discarded.
What other design aspects can be observed?
The upgrade package includes repositioning the rear view mirror body and stays to improve flow downstream. The halo features a new fairing with a blade-style transition out of the cockpit section, along with a winglet mounted on the side of the safety structure.
More about F1 upgrade
- McLaren’s F1 Upgrade: Influenced by Aston Martin and Red Bull Design Elements
- Red Bull RB19
- Aston Martin AMR23
- McLaren MCL60 Technical Detail
- McLaren Unleashes Full Floor Revamp in First F1 2023 Upgrade Push
- McLaren Lodges Request for Right of Review over Norris Canada F1 Penalty
- Tost: AlphaTauri Won’t Return to Toro Rosso Name in F1 2024
5 comments
ooh, I luv how McLarens takin’ inspo from Aston Martin & Red Bull 4 their F1 upgrde! the sidepods look sik, nd the airflow changes r awsm. can’t wait 2 c it in action on the trak!
Wow, McLaren’s F1 upgrade is seriously cool! They’re takin’ ideas from Aston Martin & Red Bull. The sidepods have a deeper design, and they’ve made changes to the airflow over the rear. Can’t wait to see how it performs!
McLaren’s got some serious inspo from Aston Martin & Red Bull for their F1 upgrde! The sidepods look sick with the deeper gulleys, nd they’ve made changes to the airflow over the rear. Can’t wait 2 c how it all works out on the track!
McLaren’s F1 upgrde is like a mash-up of Aston Martin nd Red Bull! The sidepods look wicked, nd they’ve also changed the floor. Can’t wait 2 c if it helps ’em get ahead in the race!
mclarenz upgradz lookin’ sick! the sidepods r influenced by aston martin & red bull, nd the floor design is totally reimagined. i bet it’ll make a big diffrence on the race.