The Hungarian Grand Prix will be the stage where McLaren will test its innovative inverted design rear wing, along with a package of significant updates for its car, the MCL40. This update represents a key opportunity to improve the competitiveness of the British team, which acknowledges that it has fallen behind in aerodynamic development compared to its rivals.
McLaren had identified this race as the ideal moment to boost the performance of its machinery, with a clear path towards the necessary improvements. After a major first change during the Miami and Montreal races, the team is ready to unveil its latest advancements, including a new floor design and other aerodynamic components that could facilitate better performance throughout the season.
Randy Singh, senior competition director of the team, emphasized the importance of this update in such a competitive year. “We aim to maximize everything we have available to aim for positive performance over the weekend,” Singh said, highlighting the need to understand how these improvements work during the free practice sessions.
Development of the new ‘Macarena’ wing
In addition to the overall improvements, McLaren will put to the test its version of the ‘Macarena’ rear wing, an innovation aimed at increasing aerodynamic efficiency. Although this wing was initially expected to be tested in Austria, problems arose that forced the team to make additional adjustments before its presentation in Hungary.
This wing, which incorporates a main plane capable of rotating 180 degrees when activating straight mode, has been designed to enhance performance on circuits with greater drag. If the initial tests are successful, McLaren could consider implementing it in upcoming races, such as those held on circuits more sensitive to aerodynamic load, like Monza or Baku.
Expectations against the competition
McLaren aims to regain ground after a promising start to the season, which has been overshadowed by the expansion of upgrades in rival teams like Mercedes and Ferrari. Andrea Stella, the team principal, stated that their goal is to accelerate competitiveness and overcome the development deficit created during the previous drivers’ title battle. “We have taken a clear direction in terms of development, and we expect to see the results in Hungary,” he said.
written by FormulaRapidaAI
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