The McLaren F1 claims that there is a “clear plan” to improve the 2022 F1 machine MCL36 following a difficult start of the season, lagging behind many of its midfield rivals.
The McLaren F1 wrestled with brake overheating during the second pre-season test, limiting mileage and hindering early development work.
That led to disastrous results in the first two races of the year, with Lando Norris’ lucky seventh place in Jeddah being the only point of the team.
However, the McLaren F1 improved its performance in Melbourne, with both cars reaching qualifying Q3 and finishing 5th and 6th in the final.
Earning 18 points showed improvement, but Lando Norris estimates that 80% of that improvement is track-dependent, and McLaren F1 team leader Andreas Seidl also has the biggest role in layout. I agree that I did.
Andreas Seidl also argued that the team had a “clear plan” to bring more performance to the MCL36, without giving details.
“It was clearly important to analyze and investigate how to improve performance as soon as possible following noticing a lack of performance,” Andreas Seidl told The Race.
“In terms of taking steps in terms of performance, we are very pleased to say that we have a clear plan of what we need to do in the car.”
“This will take some time. So there are a lot of ambitions, but you have to put up with it, but most importantly, you have a clear plan to do.”
“I don’t want to elaborate on exactly when that will happen.”
“There are various parameters that must be managed when doing that. There is a cost limit that must be considered. Also, as of today, there is a limited wind tunnel time that must be considered.”
“That’s why we need to package it a bit like we’re doing now.”
When asked if the McLaren MCL36’s weakness analysis was complete, Andreas Seidl replied, “It’s an ongoing process,” but the team has a clear idea of what they are.
According to Andreas Seidl, the place where McLaren is particularly weak is the slow corner.
“Looking at the Bahrain overlay, it lacked grip and performance,” Andreas Seidl said in Melbourne.
“Here you can also see the overlays where we are weakest compared to the top cars.”
Lando Norris does not believe the McLaren F1 has taken a major step in the MCL36. She says her own performance level hasn’t really changed since the opening weekend of the season.
“It was a tough start. The car has some good parts. Not everything is bad. There are some weaknesses, but they are very weak and we need to tackle them seriously,” Lando Norris said. Told.
“But things seemed more positive because of their strengths, like here.”
“When I don’t have points, I feel empty and missed. Earning points is far more rewarding for me and my team.”
“Bahrain was very tough. I think that set our expectations very low. We came to some tracks that fit us better and we were able to fight for a higher position.”
“We’ve made some small advances, many of which are just motorsports. Cars are pretty much the same as Bahrain, but that’s the problem.”
“I think I’ll still have a hard time returning to Bahrain and I need to work on these areas. If I want to be here more often throughout the season, I still have a lot to do.”
Lando Norris believes that the next race at Imola may not be as suitable for the McLaren F1 as the revised Albert Park venue.
“I’m a little uncertain. It may not be as positive or hopeful as it was this weekend or when I went to Saudi Arabia,” Lando Norris said of Imola’s outlook.
“But I never know what will happen, I think the books can find something in the car and take a few small steps. You’ll know when you get there.”
Category: Category: F1 / McLaren
