At the Brazilian Grand Prix, McLaren has unveiled its new front wing concept for the 2027 season, which has brought significant improvements to the handling of its car, the MCL40. This update is implemented after a period where the team saw itself losing ground compared to rivals such as Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
Andrea Stella, the team’s director, stated that this new design not only enhances aerodynamic load but also makes the car more manageable and predictable for the drivers. The changes, which include an updated rear wing, have been tested during practice sessions at Interlagos.
Although qualifying was marked by rain, with Lando Norris achieving pole position and his teammate Oscar Piastri placed twelfth, preliminary tests in dry conditions have allowed the team to more clearly analyze the impact of the new parts. Stella commented that it’s encouraging to see that the changes have had the expected effect in terms of driving.
However, Stella also admitted that there is still work to be done. The goal is to continue improving the car’s handling for the upcoming season. Additionally, he revealed that more updates are expected for the next race in Las Vegas, which will further optimize the interaction between the aerodynamic parts.
Regarding Sunday’s race, Stella is cautious in assuring that Norris will be able to maintain his advantage. He acknowledged that in dry conditions, McLaren might not be the car with the best race pace, noting that Mercedes seemed to have a leg up during the tests.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
