McLaren Suspects Design Problems Stem from Methodologies and Wind Tunnel

McLaren’s Lando Norris has voiced concerns that the MCL60 is still suffering from the same mid-corner handling unpredictability as its predecessor. Team boss Andrea Stella has revealed that the car is weakest in low-grip conditions and when drivers are off the throttle and brakes. Despite the major rule change, the same deficiencies have persisted, leading McLaren to suspect that their design problems stem from their methodologies and outgoing wind tunnel’s failure to recreate accurate real-world conditions.

Infrastructure Upgrade to Provide Clear Answers

McLaren’s construction of a new wind tunnel and simulator in Woking is set to be completed in June. Stella hopes that the infrastructure upgrade will give the team a clear answer on whether their methodologies have been lacking in solving “DNA” problems. Renting the Toyota wind tunnel facility in Cologne in recent years, the team has had to take new parts to Germany in the back of a van. Stella explains that the wind tunnel used by the team is even more difficult than other facilities, leading to limitations in their methodologies. The new wind tunnel will provide a better representation of what the car sees on the track, making it easier and more representative for the team to identify any shortcomings.

Stella believes that the handling shortfalls faced by McLaren could be associated with the infrastructure limitations and the methodologies used by the team over the years. He explains that it is possible that their DNA problems have persisted despite a change in regulations due to the limitations of the methodologies used. However, McLaren will know more in a few months once they compare the results from the new wind tunnel at the McLaren Technology Centre to the one they have been using for the last two years.

McLaren is hoping that the infrastructure upgrade will provide them with a clear answer on how to solve their handling issues once and for all. Stella believes that the new wind tunnel will be more representative and provide a better understanding of the car’s performance on the track. With this upgrade, McLaren is hoping to improve their performance and be more competitive in the upcoming races.