McLaren has consistently demonstrated superior in-season development in Formula 1 over the past two years, marked by a remarkable turnaround in form since the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix. This success is largely attributed to their excellent correlation between simulation data and on-track performance.
Why it matters
Following a technical restructuring in mid-2023 and a significant upgrade at the Red Bull Ring, McLaren transformed from an occasional points scorer into a regular podium contender. The 2024 MCL38 built on this momentum, with a crucial Miami floor upgrade propelling the team into constructors' title contention. Team principal Andrea Stella emphasizes that this consistent success stems from mastering the "fundamentals" of each new upgrade.
The big picture
Stella highlights that McLaren's consistent development success, particularly in aerodynamics, is a result of numerous factors, not a single "magic bullet."
- Focus on Fundamentals: It's about generating new ideas, crafting geometries for components like the floor or front wing, and critically, understanding the methodologies used for development.
- Confidence in Transfer: The key is having confidence that innovations achieved in the wind tunnel or CFD will genuinely translate into effective performance on track.
- Building Know-How: This process involves accumulating team knowledge, which Stella describes as one of Formula 1's most complex challenges. He commends the quality and talent of his team for leading this effort.
Understanding correlation
Correlation refers to the consistency between data patterns gathered from various simulation tools (like wind tunnels and CFD) and the actual performance observed on track during practice sessions. Even if the absolute numbers differ slightly, a consistent discrepancy allows the team to accurately adjust. McLaren appears to excel in this area, carefully testing updated parts in practice and thoroughly reviewing data before deploying them in competitive sessions.
Aggressive innovation
Stella admitted surprise at the MCL38's current level of competitiveness. He revealed that the team adopted a highly "aggressive" approach to evolving the car, aiming to consistently outperform rivals. This aggressive stance on innovation has led to continuous upgrades throughout the season, as initial pre-season estimates indicated more development was needed to achieve their ambitious goals.