McLaren MCL36

[Mchamilton]

It’s striking how far forward the new sidepod inlets are compared to the MCL35M (and previous cars), you can tell comparing with the base of the halo, with how much forward the sidepods are, you have to assume that radiators and other ancillaries have been moved towards the new space created with the forward sidepods, which should have had an impact not only on the volume required at the back (making it slimmer), but also moving the COG forward more towards the center of the car… It also shows how much space has been gained from moving from Pull Rod to Push Rod in the rear based on the position of the rod itself in the previous cars:

https://i.imgur.com/67QmU81.jpg

All teams have had to move their COG forward because the centre of pressure from the floor is now much further forward. Also to simply accomodate the high tunnels.

[Stu]

It’s striking how far forward the new sidepod inlets are compared to the MCL35M (and previous cars), you can tell comparing with the base of the halo, with how much forward the sidepods are, you have to assume that radiators and other ancillaries have been moved towards the new space created with the forward sidepods, which should have had an impact not only on the volume required at the back (making it slimmer), but also moving the COG forward more towards the center of the car… It also shows how much space has been gained from moving from Pull Rod to Push Rod in the rear based on the position of the rod itself in the previous cars:

https://i.imgur.com/67QmU81.jpg

All teams have had to move their COG forward because the centre of pressure from the floor is now much further forward. Also to simply accomodate the high tunnels.

Weight distribution is still tightly controlled within the regulations (although there is a slight change in what is permissible).

Edit: Cut & paste from regulations.

4.2 Mass distribution
With the car resting on a horizontal plane the mass measured at the front and rear axles must not be less than the mass specified in Article 4.1 factored by 0.440 and 0.540 respectively at all times during the qualifying practice session. Rounding will be to nearest 0.5kg.
If, when required for checking, a car is not already fitted with dry-weather tyres, its mass will be determined using a set of dry-weather tyres selected by the FIA technical delegate.

[Blackout]

It’s striking how far forward the new sidepod inlets are compared to the MCL35M (and previous cars), you can tell comparing with the base of the halo, with how much forward the sidepods are, you have to assume that radiators and other ancillaries have been moved towards the new space created with the forward sidepods, which should have had an impact not only on the volume required at the back (making it slimmer), but also moving the COG forward more towards the center of the car… It also shows how much space has been gained from moving from Pull Rod to Push Rod in the rear based on the position of the rod itself in the previous cars:

https://i.imgur.com/67QmU81.jpg

All teams have had to move their COG forward because the centre of pressure from the floor is now much further forward. Also to simply accomodate the high tunnels.

Weight distribution is still controlled within the regulations (although there is a slight change in what is permissible).

And it's more rearward than 2021...

[Tim.Wright]

I’m sure the team is taken that into consideration and trying to bring the best possible balance… I don’t think that moving COG forward would hamper the car’s acceleration, that’s more related to weight transfer and mechanical grip than where the weight resides passively

Unless you are lifting the front wheels off the ground during a launch, there is always an advantage to moving the CG rearwards on a RWD car.

Wheel load = static weight load + load transfer.

Load transfer is relatively small given the low CG height and long wheelbase.

[CjC]

It’s striking how far forward the new sidepod inlets are compared to the MCL35M (and previous cars), you can tell comparing with the base of the halo, with how much forward the sidepods are, you have to assume that radiators and other ancillaries have been moved towards the new space created with the forward sidepods, which should have had an impact not only on the volume required at the back (making it slimmer), but also moving the COG forward more towards the center of the car… It also shows how much space has been gained from moving from Pull Rod to Push Rod in the rear based on the position of the rod itself in the previous cars:

https://i.imgur.com/67QmU81.jpg

Interesting.
If your theory is correct moving the COG forward could harm the exceptional launches Mclaren sort of became renowned for last season and also the good traction characteristic.
However it could improve front rotation for the slow corners which have been an Achilles heel for Mclaren over the last few seasons?

I’m sure the team is taken that into consideration and trying to bring the best possible balance… I don’t think that moving COG forward would hamper the car’s acceleration, that’s more related to weight transfer and mechanical grip than where the weight resides passively

Then again the fact that they have swapped the pull/push rods front and back will alter any advantage or disadvantage they used have.
Think I’m just going to forget any characteristics from the previous seasons and just wait till mid season before making any more

[the EDGE]

It’s striking how far forward the new sidepod inlets are compared to the MCL35M (and previous cars), you can tell comparing with the base of the halo, with how much forward the sidepods are, you have to assume that radiators and other ancillaries have been moved towards the new space created with the forward sidepods, which should have had an impact not only on the volume required at the back (making it slimmer), but also moving the COG forward more towards the center of the car… It also shows how much space has been gained from moving from Pull Rod to Push Rod in the rear based on the position of the rod itself in the previous cars:

https://i.imgur.com/67QmU81.jpg

All teams have had to move their COG forward because the centre of pressure from the floor is now much further forward. Also to simply accomodate the high tunnels.

The only reason they were ever that far back was to make room for the barge boards following the front wing simplification change a few years ago

[nevill3]

It’s striking how far forward the new sidepod inlets are compared to the MCL35M (and previous cars), you can tell comparing with the base of the halo, with how much forward the sidepods are, you have to assume that radiators and other ancillaries have been moved towards the new space created with the forward sidepods, which should have had an impact not only on the volume required at the back (making it slimmer), but also moving the COG forward more towards the center of the car… It also shows how much space has been gained from moving from Pull Rod to Push Rod in the rear based on the position of the rod itself in the previous cars:

https://i.imgur.com/67QmU81.jpg

All teams have had to move their COG forward because the centre of pressure from the floor is now much further forward. Also to simply accomodate the high tunnels.

Weight distribution is still tightly controlled within the regulations (although there is a slight change in what is permissible).

Edit: Cut & paste from regulations.

4.2 Mass distribution
With the car resting on a horizontal plane the mass measured at the front and rear axles must not be less than the mass specified in Article 4.1 factored by 0.440 and 0.540 respectively at all times during the qualifying practice session. Rounding will be to nearest 0.5kg.
If, when required for checking, a car is not already fitted with dry-weather tyres, its mass will be determined using a set of dry-weather tyres selected by the FIA technical delegate.

That cut and past is slightly wrong this years updated regulations have an increase to the front but not the rear weight distribution

ARTICLE 4: MASS
4.1 Minimum mass
The mass of the car, without fuel, must not be less than 775Kg 790Kg at all times during the
Competition.
If, when required for checking, a car is not already fitted with dry-weather tyres, its mass will
be determined using a set of dry-weather tyres selected by the FIA technical delegate.
4.2 Mass distribution
With the car resting on a horizontal plane the mass measured at the front and rear axles must
not be less than the mass specified in Article 4.1 factored by 0.440 0.445 and 0.540
respectively at all times during the qualifying practice session. Rounding will be to nearest
0.5kg.
If, when required for checking, a car is not already fitted with dry-weather tyres, its mass will
be determined using a set of dry-weather tyres selected by the FIA technical delegate.

[Mchamilton]

All teams have had to move their COG forward because the centre of pressure from the floor is now much further forward. Also to simply accomodate the high tunnels.

Weight distribution is still controlled within the regulations (although there is a slight change in what is permissible).

And it's more rearward than 2021...

So it is, 5% further rearward, suprised by that tbh

[Fer.Fan]

It’s striking how far forward the new sidepod inlets are compared to the MCL35M (and previous cars), you can tell comparing with the base of the halo, with how much forward the sidepods are, you have to assume that radiators and other ancillaries have been moved towards the new space created with the forward sidepods, which should have had an impact not only on the volume required at the back (making it slimmer), but also moving the COG forward more towards the center of the car… It also shows how much space has been gained from moving from Pull Rod to Push Rod in the rear based on the position of the rod itself in the previous cars:

https://i.imgur.com/67QmU81.jpg

All teams have had to move their COG forward because the centre of pressure from the floor is now much further forward. Also to simply accomodate the high tunnels.

Not all teams have moved their COG forward. Just look att new W13, compare how far back their sidepods sits compared to mcl36 or ferrari. It is strange…

[SmallSoldier]

I’m sure the team is taken that into consideration and trying to bring the best possible balance… I don’t think that moving COG forward would hamper the car’s acceleration, that’s more related to weight transfer and mechanical grip than where the weight resides passively

Unless you are lifting the front wheels off the ground during a launch, there is always an advantage to moving the CG rearwards on a RWD car.

Wheel load = static weight load + load transfer.

Load transfer is relatively small given the low CG height and long wheelbase.

Thank you, but even if you aren’t lifting the tires from the ground, wouldn’t the rear biased CG induce understeer?

I thought weight transfer (and therefore suspension setup) had a bigger influence, but I’m sure I’m wrong

[SmallSoldier]

It’s striking how far forward the new sidepod inlets are compared to the MCL35M (and previous cars), you can tell comparing with the base of the halo, with how much forward the sidepods are, you have to assume that radiators and other ancillaries have been moved towards the new space created with the forward sidepods, which should have had an impact not only on the volume required at the back (making it slimmer), but also moving the COG forward more towards the center of the car… It also shows how much space has been gained from moving from Pull Rod to Push Rod in the rear based on the position of the rod itself in the previous cars:

https://i.imgur.com/67QmU81.jpg

All teams have had to move their COG forward because the centre of pressure from the floor is now much further forward. Also to simply accomodate the high tunnels.

Not all teams have moved their COG forward. Just look att new W13, compare how far back their sidepods sits compared to mcl36 or ferrari. It is strange…

They seem to be forward in the actual car, the render is the one that has them back (as per previous cars)

[SmallSoldier]

Interesting.
If your theory is correct moving the COG forward could harm the exceptional launches Mclaren sort of became renowned for last season and also the good traction characteristic.
However it could improve front rotation for the slow corners which have been an Achilles heel for Mclaren over the last few seasons?

I’m sure the team is taken that into consideration and trying to bring the best possible balance… I don’t think that moving COG forward would hamper the car’s acceleration, that’s more related to weight transfer and mechanical grip than where the weight resides passively

Then again the fact that they have swapped the pull/push rods front and back will alter any advantage or disadvantage they used have.
Think I’m just going to forget any characteristics from the previous seasons and just wait till mid season before making any more

I’m taking the same advice… It’s fun to speculate, but it’s better to actually see them on track

[Tim.Wright]

Thank you, but even if you aren’t lifting the tires from the ground, wouldn’t the rear biased CG induce understeer?

I thought weight transfer (and therefore suspension setup) had a bigger influence, but I’m sure I’m wrong

Load transfer accounts for only around 10-15% of the load of the rear (driven) wheels. Most of the load is from the static weight load.

Shifting weight rearwards will typically induce a reduction in transient stability and a loss of understeer.

[SmallSoldier]

Thank you, but even if you aren’t lifting the tires from the ground, wouldn’t the rear biased CG induce understeer?

I thought weight transfer (and therefore suspension setup) had a bigger influence, but I’m sure I’m wrong

Load transfer accounts for only around 10-15% of the load of the rear (driven) wheels. Most of the load is from the static weight load.

Shifting weight rearwards will typically induce a reduction in transient stability and a loss of understeer.

Could you elaborate a bit more please? Trying to figure it out since in my mind it always worked the other way, wouldn’t transferring weight rearwards induce understeer by making the front lighter (therefore reducing grip)… Trying to understand/learn the concept.

Thanks!

[Stu]

Thank you, but even if you aren’t lifting the tires from the ground, wouldn’t the rear biased CG induce understeer?

I thought weight transfer (and therefore suspension setup) had a bigger influence, but I’m sure I’m wrong

Load transfer accounts for only around 10-15% of the load of the rear (driven) wheels. Most of the load is from the static weight load.

Shifting weight rearwards will typically induce a reduction in transient stability and a loss of understeer.

Could you elaborate a bit more please? Trying to figure it out since in my mind it always worked the other way, wouldn’t transferring weight rearwards induce understeer by making the front lighter (therefore reducing grip)… Trying to understand/learn the concept.

Thanks!

Aero loading makes it difficult to determine, the championship winning Renaults (during the Alonso years) had a pronounced rear weight bias, they seemed to work okay.