Formula One car development blog

McLaren have introduced an additional development to their bridge wing at the final pre-season test at Barcelona. While all previous iterations of any team were all of a single, solid aerofoil in between the end plates and above the nose cone. The newest McLaren version has a small opening in the downforce generating blades, effectively increasing their efficiency. At the same time, the new element is slightly flatter and longer in the middle, therefore improving its stabilisation f... Read more

McLaren have once again found a novelty in the sidepod development. While last year they were the first to connect the well known chimney (hot air exhaust atop of the sidepod), the MP4-23 has the most elegant sidepod shield seen thus far. While previous versions were more of an attachment to the sidepod, the new iteration is seemingly a melted part that came loose of the sidepod. The design extends the sidepod at the bottom to allow more air to pass around the sidepod and onto the d... Read more

While Ferrari have adjusted their airbox to protrude a little more to the front, McLaren have taken a different approach with a similar purpose. In fact the team chose to cut out some bodywork just behind the driver's helmet. Clearing up the area under the airbox allows to reduce some drag caused by the turbulent air caused by the cockpit opening and the helmet. Since the roll hoop is incorporated into the airbox and is required to be very rigid, the connections that protrude the ne... Read more