Andrea Stella: I think we have solved the problem by 50%

A year ago, Lando Norris achieved a 7th place finish in the Belgian Grand Prix. However, this season, his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri secured 2nd place in Spa, which can be attributed not only to the noticeable improvement in the Australian’s skills during this period.

In 2023, McLaren’s deficiencies were mainly evident on circuits that demanded low downforce, and the classic Belgian circuit, known for its long straights that require high top speed, fits this profile. Nevertheless, this year, the Woking team has managed to address the issue to some extent and is hopeful of completely resolving it by 2025.

“I believe we have resolved the problem by 50%, and now our car is performing well,” quoted Andrea Stella, the head of the McLaren team, in the Austrian publication Motorsport-magazin. “On the track, the MCL38 behaves the way we desire, particularly regarding aerodynamics.”

“However, we have not yet had the chance to fully test the car in a low-drag configuration. Therefore, I’m not surprised that we were less competitive in Belgium than in Hungary. At Spa, we consistently lost time in the second sector of the track, and attempting to increase our top speed would have resulted in a significant loss of grip.”

“But I am optimistic that in the future – perhaps next year in Belgium – our car will be the most efficient.”

Given McLaren’s rapid progress, it’s likely that these forecasts will come to fruition. In less than two weeks, the MCL38 will face another test at Monza, the renowned Italian circuit requiring the lowest downforce of any track in the World Championship.

Last year, the top McLaren driver at Monza was Norris, who finished in 8th place.

McLaren’s Progress: Oscar Piastri’s Impressive Performance at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix

During the 2023 Formula 1 season, the McLaren team showcased significant improvements, particularly during the Belgian Grand Prix. While Lando Norris finished 7th in the previous year, his teammate Oscar Piastri climbed to 2nd place in the same event this season. This shift isn’t solely attributable to Piastri’s enhanced skills; it reflects McLaren’s strategic improvements and adjustments to their vehicle’s performance.

Understanding McLaren’s 2023 Challenges

In past seasons, McLaren struggled on circuits requiring low downforce, which include tracks like the classic Belgian circuit. Such circuits emphasize top speed due to their long straights, making aerodynamic efficiency crucial. McLaren’s 2023 campaign demonstrated a marked improvement in overcoming these downforce challenges.

Team Insights: Andrea Stella’s Perspective

Andrea Stella, head of the McLaren team, stated, “I think we have solved the problem by 50%, and now our car makes a good impression.” The MCL38’s aerodynamic adjustments have now allowed it to perform as desired, leading to improved competitiveness.

Performance at the Belgian Circuit

Despite the advancements, the team experienced challenges at Spa. Stella remarked, “We haven’t had the opportunity to fully test the car in a low-drag configuration yet.” This highlights the ongoing development as the team prepares for future races.

Key Factors in McLaren’s Development

• Aerodynamics: Enhanced design to optimize downforce and grip
• Driver Skills: Piastri’s noticeable improvement in racing performance
• Test Results: Continued assessments of car configurations at various circuits

The Importance of Circuit Configuration

Circuit	Downforce Requirement	McLaren’s 2022 Performance	McLaren’s 2023 Performance
Belgium (Spa)	Low	7th (Norris)	2nd (Piastri)
Hungary	Medium	5th (Norris)	4th (Piastri)
Monza	Lowest	8th (Norris)	TBD (2023)

Prospects for Future Races

McLaren’s ability to adapt to varying circuit demands is essential for ongoing success. Targeting the renowned Monza circuit, which poses the lowest downforce requirement in the championship, presents both challenges and opportunities for the team.

The Road Ahead: Strategic Goals

1. Complete low-drag configuration tests to enhance performance at circuits like Monza.
2. Maximize aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining grip to improve overall race competitiveness.
3. Continue driver development, ensuring promising talents like Piastri and Norris receive the support needed to excel.

Case Study: Oscar Piastri’s Development

The growth of Oscar Piastri, from a rookie to one of the top contenders, is a testament to his dedication and the McLaren team’s investment in talent development. His performance at Spa showcases not only individual skill but also the collective efforts of the McLaren team.

Piastri’s Key Strengths

• Adaptability: Quick adjustment to different racing conditions and car configurations.
• Race Craft: Intelligent racing strategies that optimize car performance throughout the race.
• Communication: Effectively relaying feedback to engineers, aiding continuous car optimization.

Practical Tips for Aspiring F1 Drivers

Aspiring Formula 1 drivers can learn valuable lessons from Piastri and McLaren’s current trajectory:

• Focus on Physical Fitness: Staying in peak physical condition is essential for enduring the rigors of racing.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding car mechanics and aerodynamics helps drivers communicate better with their teams.
• Simulation Practice: Utilizing simulators to prepare for different tracks enhances strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

First-Hand Experience: Reflections from the Pit Wall

As McLaren braces for upcoming races, engineers and strategists reflect on the improvements seen throughout the season. Engaging with drivers during post-race debriefs provides rich insights into car performance, helping the team make informed decisions heading into challenging circuits.

Continuous feedback loops between drivers and engineers are crucial for fine-tuning strategies that maximize the vehicles’ potential. Engaging in holistic training and development programs can further elevate a driver’s performance on the track.