Tech
Technical Analysis : The "New" McLaren MCL60
- Toby McLuskie
It's no secret that McLaren has had a very difficult and disappointing start to the season. In response to this, the team has developed an update package, the first part of which will be implemented at the Austrian Grand Prix. The other two will be introduced at Silverstone and the Hungaroring. Lando Norris will be in charge of carrying the updates at the Red Bull Ring.
The side-pods
McLaren has taken inspiration from Aston Martin, Ferrari and Red Bull to develop its side-pods. The inside of the pods feature Aston Martin's signature channels. With these, the British team aims to feed the diffuser and beam wing with as much high-speed air as possible to maximise rear grip. However, the outer edge of the pontoons, which protects the integrity of the airflow that the channels will filter to the rear end, are circular in shape and less flat than the AMR23, as well as being thinner.
It is also noticeable that the lower part of the side-pods have the philosophy of Red Bull Racing's RB19. The wide air intakes give a slim silhouette at the start of the pontoons, which then becomes more extensive as it descends towards the rear of the car, subtly directing air towards the car's rear suspension and diffuser.
Wide side pontoons, in this case, are optimal because they help deflect the dirty, turbulent airflow generated by the front tyres hitting the air. This dirty, turbulent and disordered air creates drag and cannot be used by the car to optimise its performance. It can also, on impact with the rear tyres, cause high tyre temperatures and increase the rate of tyre degradation, something McLaren has been struggling with throughout the season.
The floor
The front of a Formula One car acts as the first air filter distributor for the rest of the car. With the front wing and suspension, teams aim to generate vortices and filter air to the outside of the floor, respectively, in order to minimise the impact of turbulent air generated at the front on the middle and rear sections of the car.
The MCL60 features wide bargeboards that will take some of the dirty airflow generated at the front. However, staggered cut-outs have been placed on the edges of the floor to generate vortices that will push the air up and out, to dispose of as much of the air as possible and prevent it from leaking into the diffuser area and minimising performance.
The engine cover
McLaren features a redesigned engine cover. The lower part of the cover has a flat surface that slopes subtly down towards the rear end and beam wing, again in an attempt to increase rear grip for greater stability and traction. At the top, the British have chosen to implement a small ridge that flows into the shark fin at the end of this section. Again, all silhouettes point the airflow towards the middle part of the rear suspension, under the spoiler, and to the beam wing.