The team director of McLaren, Andrea Stella, has acknowledged that the handling characteristics of their Formula 1 car cannot improve until fundamental changes are made, which will only be possible with the new model that will be presented in 2027.
Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have expressed that the current vehicle presents significant difficulties in its driving. Despite the fact that the drivers have had to adapt their style to the new conditions of the cars and engines, the grip issue has complicated their progression compared to other rivals.
Stella has explained that immediate solutions will not be effective due to the complex nature of the necessary changes: “I do not expect the modifications in the pipeline to improve this characteristic. We need more fundamental changes than simply adding a little aerodynamic load.”
The different driving styles of Piastri and Norris have meant that the situation affects the Australian driver more. Stella has detailed that it is a technical aspect that requires a long-term approach, with the next generation of vehicles, the MCL41.
After the Singapore Grand Prix, Norris commented on the difficulty of driving the current McLaren. He described the need to force the vehicle in every corner, which requires extreme concentration and considerable mental effort: “The car is on a thread of grip in every corner. You can’t let the vehicle do its job, you have to force it.”
This intensity in driving has been one of the main elements that Stella considers need to be adapted to their driving style. The director has emphasized that this aspect has been present throughout the season and that the drivers need time to adjust.
In summary, McLaren must wait until 2027 to effectively address its grip issues, a situation that has been a significant barrier for the team in the current championship.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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